**Biographical Information and Education:**
– Son of Solomon Benatar, founder of Bioethics Centre at University of Cape Town
– Holds BSocSc and PhD from University of Cape Town
– Professor of philosophy and director of Bioethics Centre at University of Cape Town
– Member of editorial board of Journal of Controversial Ideas
**Philosophical Work and Asymmetry Argument:**
– Known for asymmetry argument
– Argues for asymmetry between pain and pleasure
– Advocates against procreation due to asymmetries
– Raises moral obligations related to procreation
– Discusses implications of creating vs. not creating life
– Discusses implications for procreation decisions
– Explores regret and compassion related to existence
**Asymmetry Between Pain and Pleasure:**
– Argues presence of pain is bad, pleasure is good
– States absence of pain is good, absence of pleasure not bad
– Raises related asymmetries and moral obligations
**Humans’ Assessment of Life’s Quality:**
– Highlights tendencies towards optimism
– Discusses adaptation to circumstances
– Mentions comparison to others affecting judgment
– Links psychological phenomena to evolutionary perspective
– Suggests pessimism not naturally selected
**Sexual Discrimination Against Men and Boys:**
– Examines discrimination against men and boys in ‘The Second Sexism’
– Addresses systemic and cultural discrimination
– Stresses importance of recognizing second sexism
– Calls for more research and change in attitudes
– Advocates for universal sympathy and social justice
David Benatar (born 8 December 1966) is a South African philosopher, academic, and author. He is best known for his advocacy of antinatalism in his book Better Never to Have Been: The Harm of Coming into Existence, in which he argues that coming into existence is serious harm, regardless of the feelings of the existing being once brought into existence, and that, as a consequence, it is always morally wrong to create more sentient beings.
David Benatar | |
|---|---|
| Born | 8 December 1966 |
| Nationality | South African |
| Occupation(s) | Academic, professor, writer |
| Known for | Antinatalism |
| Academic background | |
| Alma mater | University of Cape Town (BSocSc, PhD) |
| Academic work | |
| Discipline | Philosophy |
| Sub-discipline | Moral philosophy, social philosophy, philosophy of religion |
| Institutions | University of Cape Town |
| Notable ideas |
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