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Better Never to Have Been: The Harm of Coming Into Existence

This book delves into the philosophical debate regarding the intrinsic value of existence, presenting a comprehensive examination of the potential harms associated with being born and living. It challenges conventional views on life's worth and its moral implications. more

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David Benatar
David Benatar

David Benatar (born December 8, 1966) is a South African philosopher and professor at the University of Cape Town, known for his controversial anti-natalist views. He argues that bringing a child into existence is morally wrong because life inevitably involves suffering, and non-existence avoids all harm. His seminal work, Better Never to Have Been: The Harm of Coming into Existence (2006), sparked global debate on the ethics of procreation. Benatar's research covers applied ethics, bioethics, and metaphysics, and he is a prominent figure in population ethics. Despite criticism for pessimism, he maintains his arguments are based on logical reasoning. He also authored The Second Sexism (2012) and Human Well-Being and Human Life (2018). more

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