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How to reject Benatar's asymmetry argument.

Erik Magnusson¹

¹Centre for Professional & Applied Ethics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.

|April 25, 2019

Summary

This paper critiques David Benatar's asymmetry argument for anti-natalism. It demonstrates that the argument's premises are false, rendering it unnecessary for the anti-natalist conclusion.

Keywords:

David Benatar anti-natalism asymmetry argument procreative ethics quality of life argument

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Area of Science:

Philosophy
Ethics
Moral Philosophy

Background:

David Benatar's asymmetry argument is a central justification for anti-natalism.
The argument posits a moral asymmetry between the presence of suffering and happiness.
Anti-natalism advocates against procreation based on the inherent suffering in life.

Purpose of the Study:

To critically re-evaluate David Benatar's asymmetry argument for anti-natalism.
To present a structured refutation of the asymmetry argument's core premises.
To assess the overall necessity and contribution of the asymmetry argument to Benatar's case.

Main Methods:

Reconstruction of the asymmetry argument into its fundamental premises.
Detailed examination and refutation of each premise in separate sections.
Analysis of the relationship between the asymmetry argument and the quality of life argument.

Main Results:

Each of the three main premises of the asymmetry argument is demonstrated to be false.
The asymmetry argument is found to be unsuccessful in establishing the anti-natalist conclusion.
The quality of life argument is identified as the primary driver of Benatar's anti-natalism.

Conclusions:

The asymmetry argument is not only unsuccessful but also unnecessary for Benatar's anti-natalist stance.
The burden of proof for anti-natalism rests on the quality of life argument, not the asymmetry argument.
This analysis provides a philosophical framework for rejecting the asymmetry argument.