Abstract (eng)
As Swan (2018, p. 20) shows, forward-thinking communities such as groups of cryonicists can serve as role models for dealing with uncertain future prospects. A cryonic suspension of the body is possible, but to date a resuscitation after this suspension is not. However, many cryonicists believe in the development of a method to "reverse" death. In society, this belief has often been presented as an unrealistic “clinging” to an extremely low probability. Furthermore, current studies such as the ones by Melanie Swan (2018) or by Jens Lohmeier and his colleagues (2015) only focus on the characteristics or philosophical views of cryonics proponents and on
the decision-making process. The hope of developing a method for “waking up” in the future does not exist without context, though. Bodies of knowledge, various sources such as popularcultural contributions, or personal contacts can also influence the development of hopes and
ideas. Studies on the decision-making process and characteristics of the individual cryonicists, however, leave these dynamics out of their analysis.
For this reason, the aim of this master's thesis is to present an exemplary group of cryonicists, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Angewandte Biostase (DGAB), in order to further elaborate on the characteristics and views of cryonics proponents, but also to shed light on the handling of knowledge. Sources, transformations and the dissemination of knowledge play a role here. These can support the hopes of cryonicists or invalidate them. Further dynamics are brought to light via the visions of the future in order to create an overview of the cycle of knowledge within the group as well as in contact with the societal environment. This goal was pursued via
qualitative interviews with members of the DGAB. These were then analyzed and compared.
A central result is the scientific determinism of the members - the belief in the development of a suitable method for "reviving" people in the future if scientific research is given enough time. This view overshadows most of the expectations of the respondents. In addition, on the basis of the interviews, a “cryonic thinking style” in the sense of Ludwik Fleck’s Denkkollektiv (Fleck et al. 1980 [1935]) could be formulated. This thinking style is notably characterized by the active participation in the advancement of research as well as by the previously mentioned determinism.