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The Dissenter
#1004 Lawrence Anton - Antinatalism: Birth, Death, Consent, and Extinction
Oct 10, 2024
Lawrence Anton, a YouTuber and advocate for antinatalism, dives deep into provocative concepts surrounding life and procreation. He shares his personal journey into antinatalism, linking it to animal rights activism. The discussion unpacks the asymmetry argument, questioning if life is inherently good or bad and whether we can consent to existence. Anton also explores thought experiments on the choice of being born and critiques the ethics of parenthood. Finally, he tackles the contentious notion of extinctionism and its moral implications.
01:24:08
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Quick takeaways
- The speaker's journey into antinatalism was influenced by their veganism, highlighting a deep connection between both philosophies and their ethical implications.
- Consent is a central theme in antinatalism, with the speaker arguing that one cannot consent to existence before being born, emphasizing moral considerations.
Deep dives
The Journey into Antinatalism
The speaker recounts their discovery of antinatalism during a study exchange in Sweden, which coincided with their transition to veganism. Initially intrigued by the idea after overhearing discussions at animal rights demonstrations, they later engaged with advocates who helped explain its principles. Despite having previously desired to have children, the speaker experienced an emotional transition as they grappled with antinatalist ethics, leading them to adopt the viewpoint. Their openness to reevaluating previously held beliefs, fueled by their vegan activism, contributed significantly to their acceptance of antinatalism.
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