On the value of coming into existence

Journal of Ethics 5 (4):361-384 (2001)
Abstract In this paper I argue that coming into existence can benefit (or harm) aperson. My argument incorporates the comparative claim that existence canbe better (or worse) for a person than never existing. Since these claimsare highly controversial, I consider and reject a number of objectionswhich threaten them. These objections raise various semantic, logical,metaphysical and value-theoretical issues. I then suggest that there is animportant sense in which it can harm (or benefit) a person not to comeinto existence. Again, I consider and reject some objections. Finally, Ibriefly consider what the conclusions reached in this paper imply for ourmoral obligations to possible future people.
Keywords No keywords specified (fix it)
Categories
Options
 Save to my reading list
Follow the author(s)
My bibliography
Export citation 		Find it on Scholar
Edit this record
Mark as duplicate
Revision history Request removal from index
 
Download options
PhilPapers Archive


Upload a copy of this paper     Check publisher's policy on self-archival     Papers currently archived: 5,705
External links
    • Through your library Configure

    Similar books and articles
    Y. Nagasawa (2008). Review: David Benatar: Better Never to Have Been: The Harm of Coming Into Existence. [REVIEW] Mind 117 (467):674-677.
    Elizabeth Harman, Critical Study.
    Marc Larock, Possible Preferences and the Harm of Existence.
    David Benatar (2001). To Be or Not to Have Been? International Journal of Applied Philosophy 15 (2):255-266.
    Jean-Luc Nancy (1993). The Birth to Presence. Stanford University Press.
    Aaron Smuts, To Be or Never to Have Been: Anti-Natalism and a Life Worth Living.
    Manolito Gallegos (2011). Problems and Solutions for a Hypothetical Right Not to Exist. Logoi -- Heidelberger Graduiertenjournal für Geisteswissenschaften 1 (1):N/A.
    Lynne Rudder Baker (2005). When Does a Person Begin? Social Philosophy and Policy 22 (2):25-48.
    Krister Bykvist (2007). The Benefits of Coming Into Existence. Philosophical Studies 135 (3):335 - 362.
    David Benatar (2006). Better Never to Have Been: The Harm of Coming Into Existence. New York ;Oxford University Press.

    Analytics

    Monthly downloads

    Added to index

    2009-01-28

    Total downloads

    43 ( #26,205 of 549,224 )

    Recent downloads (6 months)

    4 ( #19,303 of 549,224 )

    How can I increase my downloads?


    My notes
    Sign in to use this feature


    Discussion
    Start a new thread
    Order:
    		There  are no threads in this forum
    Nothing in this forum yet.

    Other forums




    Applied ethicsEpistemologyHistory of Western PhilosophyMeta-ethicsMetaphysicsNormative ethics
    Philosophy of biologyPhilosophy of languagePhilosophy of mindPhilosophy of religionScience Logic and MathematicsMore ...
    Home | New books and articles | Bibliographies | Philosophy journals | Discussions | The Categorization Project | About PhilPapers | API | Contact us

    Hosted by The Institute of Philosophy, School of Advanced Study, University of London
    This site uses Google Analytics (see our terms & conditions for details regarding the privacy implications).

    Use of this site is subject to terms & conditions.
    All rights reserved by David Bourget and David Chalmers

    Page generated Fri May 24 21:31:51 2013 - Hash code: FOEtp6+ExDr2TT/FoZAqWg