The Good Fight What Are Children For?
22 snips
Jan 18, 2025 Anastasia Berg, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at UC Irvine and co-author of "What Are Children For?", engages in a thought-provoking dialogue about parenthood. She and Yascha Mounk delve into why many delay having children, discussing the ethical implications of declining fertility rates. They challenge societal pressures that shape decisions around parenthood and explore the opportunity costs involved. The conversation emphasizes the need to reassess the value of human life and the impact of fewer people on our moral landscape.
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The Modern Choice of Parenthood
- Societal expectations around having children have shifted from an opt-out to an opt-in culture.
- This change reflects a shift in how we view children, from integral to our identity to a choice among many.
Rejecting a Human Future
- Choosing not to have children can be seen as a rejection of a human future.
- This refusal represents a negative judgment on the value of future human life.
Philosophical Therapy for Financial Concerns
- Interrogate your financial concerns regarding parenthood; often high standards create a self-evident logic of postponement.
- Recognize these standards may be unattainable mirages, easing the pressure and opening up exploration of deeper dimensions.
