Antinatalism is a philosophical position that assigns a negative value to birth or contends that it is morally wrong to bring sentient beings into existence. Antinatalists argue that people should abstain from procreation because it is ethically better not to create new life. The reasons for this belief vary, but some of the main arguments include:
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Suffering Argument: One of the most prominent arguments is that life inevitably involves suffering. By bringing a new life into the world, one is essentially subjecting that being to potential harm, suffering, and death. Since no one consents to being born, it’s argued that it’s better not to be born at all than to be subjected to the hardships of life.
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Consent Argument: This argument posits that since the unborn cannot give consent to be born, it is morally wrong to bring them into existence. The idea is that it’s better to err on the side of not causing potential harm, especially when the being in question cannot give or withhold consent.
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Environmental and Resource Concerns: Some antinatalists argue from an environmental perspective, suggesting that refraining from procreation can help reduce the strain on Earth’s resources and mitigate environmental degradation.
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Pessimistic Worldview: Some antinatalists hold a fundamentally pessimistic view of life, believing that existence is more bad than good, or that the bads significantly outweigh the goods. From this perspective, it’s better not to bring someone into a world where they’re more likely to experience more harm than benefit.
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Potential for Harm: Even if a person leads a generally good life, there’s always the potential for significant harm or suffering. Some antinatalists argue that the risk of such harm (e.g., severe illnesses, accidents, tragedies) is enough to make procreation unethical.
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Asymmetry Argument: Philosopher David Benatar, one of the most well-known antinatalists, presents an asymmetry argument in his book “Better Never to Have Been.” He suggests that while the absence of pain is good, the absence of pleasure (in the case of a non-existent being) is not bad, creating an asymmetry. Therefore, not bringing someone into existence is always a benefit to them.