Is Having Children Wrong? | Philosophy Tube

Is it morally okay to have babies? Anti-natalists like philosopher David Benatar would argue that nonexistence avoids pain, unlike existence, but is he correct? What does that mean for reproductive rights?

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Recommended Reading:
John Broome, “Should We Value Population?” in The Journal of Political Philosophy

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[ShawnRavenfire]

"In the beginning, the universe was created.  This has made a lot of people very angry, and has been widely regarded as a bad move."  ~  Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

[athena]

I am a retired nurse. If you're not sure about reproducing, spend a day visiting a children's hospital and a nursing home.

[hipointc]

You can't guarantee your offsprings happiness or health, so why gamble with it?

[phantomblot]

I will never have have children. I can't risk them turning out like me, I wouldn't wish this life upon my worst enemy. It's not that I'm terrible, it's just the world and society sucks at utilizing people like me, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

[shericebsperspective]

We had no choice in being born...but it is against the law to take your own life. Who the hell is really in control?

[pyrosmantia]

Just adopt, those kids are already here we might as well help them out

[painexotic]

Birth is the number one cause of human problems.

[trypotherapy]

I very much agree with that having children _is_ wrong.
We should take care of the ones who already exists, the ones who have been abandoned, the ones who never asked to be brought to this world, but were dumped by the ones who brought them here.
They deserve a loving family more than something that doesn't even exist yet.

Also parenthood is super glorified, and most parents are miserable but do not feel allowed to say anything about it because parenthood is supposed to be an automatic ~"blessing"~

[Namaste.]

In one of my early science classes we were talking about the future of mankind and how bleak it was or something like that... any way I simply asked my professor why don't we stop having children. oh my, the whole class jumped on me. I wish more people had critical thinking skills.

[OdinokovOrganon]

I'm a little bit surprised that you haven't touched the topic of consent in this regard. Namely, the fact that there is no consent from a new individual for being born, no chance to weigh pros and cons of existing and make an informed choice. I think this is an important issue to consider within this ethical discussion.
Nevertheless, great video, thank you!

[JWMCMLXXX]

"How can I bring a child into such a terrible world"

People say that all the time in movies- right before they go ahead and have a kid.

same difference

[lepetitchat]

Antinatalism is the only philosophy that makes sense to me. My great thanks to David Benatar for explaining my frustration and confusion with existence all this years.

[toddnelson]

I never wanted to pass the pain on. Child free by choice.

[donaldmack]

My mom told me(im 38 and she 63) that I “cannot” use the “your created me so my life is your fault” anymore bc im an adult. I have mental illness and have problems integrating in our society. She is very Christian. Im a non believer. I dont know what to do. I almost always just want to die. I want to goto sleep and not wake up. I WANT to kill myself but I know this will hurt some people and maybe animals.. My dogs, they wont get “loved” like I love them if I were dead.

Being able to understand and accept this philosophy... I feel blessed but absurdly cursed at the same time.

Idk what to do anymore, man. I just dont know

[blackcats]

We can’t guarantee a child’s health, happiness, or success in this world; its a gamble not worth imposing.

[lucila]

I'm glad this is no longer such a taboo subject.

[jamyangpelsang]

I'm 23 and this is kind of a more sophisticated argument for why I don't want children. Because it's another mouth to feed. But obviously Benatar went beyond that simplification...

[conferencereport]

Nice to see the idea of antinatalism revised in such a cogent way. It was quite a hot topic on Youtube a few years ago and, to be frank, produced more heat than light, so your more measured approach is one I find really welcome.

One thing that emerged from previous discussions is the notion that we are all, to some extent, antinalists, inasmuch as we can probably all think of situations in which bringing a child into the world is probably a bad idea (e.g. when they have a congenital disease, when the circumstances of their upbringing is likely to be deeply unpleasant etc). More rigorous antinatalists such as Benatar simply systematise the idea, suggesting that all procreation entails putting offspring into potentially harmful situations.

I believe there have even been legal cases brought against parents by their children who argue that, by being 'non-consensually brought into existence', they have been put deliberately into harm's way. (Although I'm pretty sure none of these have been successful).

The Benatar material you introduce is interesting, and as you point out has been critiqued, but I'd be interested in your take on this from a Kantian perspective. When we bring children into the world are we treating them simply as ends, as providers of the satisfactions of parenthood, and disregarding their (potential) agency?

[binyoung]

Existence is a curse. I am glad there are many like-minded thinkers in this comment section.

[vanessaontiveros]

I really enjoyed this video. "Is it ethical to have children?" Is a question that my dad and I often discuss since he knows that I don't want children. My biggest reasons for not wanting kids are mostly environmental and financial, but this suffering perspective is one I've never thought of. I found it very fascinating. So glad you're able to continue making thoughtful videos like these. Much love from California.