Feel free to check the video out by clicking here. Mind you, the video is in Egyptian Arabic.
What is Antinatalism?
Antinatalism is a philosophical position that argues against the moral permissibility of procreation. Those who hold this belief argue that bringing new life into the world is inherently wrong, as it exposes the individual to a lifetime of suffering and difficulties. They claim that it is morally wrong to bring someone into existence if that person will ultimately suffer, and that it is therefore our ethical duty to refrain from procreation. Antinatalists may also argue that the world is already overpopulated, and that the resources and environmental impacts of adding more people are not sustainable.
The Arguments for Antinatalism
There are several arguments that antinatalists use to support their position. One argument is that life is fundamentally suffering, and that it is wrong to bring someone into the world who will inevitably suffer. This argument is based on the belief that suffering is an inescapable part of the human experience, and that no matter how much pleasure and happiness one might experience, they will ultimately also experience pain and suffering. Another argument is that procreation is morally wrong because it imposes a burden on the individual being brought into the world, who did not consent to being born and therefore did not choose to bear the difficulties and challenges of life.
Antinatalists may also argue that the world is already overpopulated and that we do not have the resources or capacity to sustain more people. They may point to the environmental impacts of population growth and argue that it is irresponsible to bring more people into the world given the strain it puts on the planet’s resources. Additionally, antinatalists may argue that our desire to have children is driven by egoism and a desire to leave a legacy, rather than a genuine concern for the well-being of the individual being brought into the world.
Criticisms of Antinatalism
One criticism of antinatalism is that it is overly pessimistic and fails to take into account the joy and pleasure that life can bring. While it is true that suffering is a part of the human experience, it is also true that we are capable of experiencing love, joy, and meaning in our lives. Additionally, some argue that the belief that it is wrong to bring someone into the world who will suffer is overly simplistic, as it is impossible to know for certain what someone’s life will be like and whether they will ultimately find happiness or meaning in their existence.
Another criticism of antinatalism is that it is impractical and unrealistic. It is unlikely that people will completely stop having children, and even if it were possible, it is not clear that it would be desirable. Some argue that procreation is a fundamental aspect of the human experience and that it is a natural and necessary part of the human life cycle. Finally, some argue that antinatalism fails to take into account the potential consequences of not having children, such as the loss of cultural and societal traditions and the loss of future generations to carry on those traditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, antinatalism is a philosophical position that argues against the moral permissibility of procreation. While it is true that suffering is an inescapable part of the human experience, and that overpopulation and environmental concerns are important issues, it is also true that life can bring joy and meaning, and that procreation is a natural and fundamental aspect of the human experience. Ultimately, the decision to have children is a personal one, and whether or not it is morally right or wrong will depend on an individual’s own beliefs and values.