Senior Project Advisor
Christian Lee
Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Spring 2024
Keywords
David Benatar, Antinatalism, Procreation, Ethics, Free Will
Abstract
In this paper, I critically evaluate three arguments for antinatalism. First, I present David Benatar’s Asymmetry Argument, a philanthropic argument which I conclude is not successful because of an objection from Elizabeth Harman. Then, I gloss a different philanthropic argument offered by Christian Lee: The Disproportionate Duties Argument. Afterwards, I examine a Misanthropic Argument offered by David Benatar. In response to the DDA and MA I borrow from the vast literature reconciling the argument from evil in the philosophy of religion. I conclude that there are goods like free-will, loving relationships, and friendship in human life that render procreation permissible in most cases, even if we experience pain and suffering.
Recommended Citation
Stone, Max, "Justifying Goods" (2024). WWU Honors College Senior Projects. 821.
https://cedar.wwu.edu/wwu_honors/821
Type
Text
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf