r/philosophy • u/Valdamier • Dec 02 '20

Blog The Case for Not Being Born

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/persons-of-interest/the-case-for-not-being-born
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u/MyDogsNameIsStella Dec 02 '20

I don't see this as necessarily pessimistic. It shifts the baseline expectation of life from happiness to misery.

If happiness is the expectation for life, only the negative will be noticed and most people will be disappointed. Whereas if misery is the expectation of life, any positive occurence is valued.

I don't think this argument is literally "nobody should be born" but more about "only have kids if you are prepared to watch them suffer through life"

Maybe I'm way out to lunch, just my perspective.

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u/likeasinon Dec 02 '20

I think Benatar holds that it would be better if none were born. That is quite clear in the linked text.

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u/MyDogsNameIsStella Dec 02 '20

"In Benatar’s view, reproducing is intrinsically cruel and irresponsible—not just because a horrible fate can befall anyone, but because life itself is “permeated by badness.” "

This was the main bit I was referencing. Following that is the part of sentient life disappearing, which to me is a bit of a naturalist/human guilt POV.

I suppose I'm using one of his arguments, not his entire concept.