Posted on 06/11/2010 9:28:12 AM PDT by ezfindit
Singer explains Benatars antinatalist philosophy, which bases its moral framework by weighing the consequences of existence, in this way: everyone will suffer to some extent, and if our species continues to reproduce, we can be sure that some future children will suffer severely. Hence continued reproduction will harm some children severely, and benefit none.
Singer then invites readers to engage in a thought experiment: "So why dont we make ourselves the last generation on earth? If we would all agree to have ourselves sterilized then no sacrifices would be required we could party our way into extinction!"
(Excerpt) Read more at orthodoxytoday.org ...
I heartily encourage all liberals to get with this program for the greater good, for the children. Well, for other people’s children, at any rate.
Just philosophizing here. You can say anything you want when you are philosophizing.
Someone needs to put up a satire site called the Voluntary Leftist Extinction Movement. The only problem is, it would be an exact copy of the existing site. You just can't make this stuff up!
It appears that Singer was making a satirical response to the ideas of David Benatar, who “flat out rejects existence as good,” similar to “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift.
That which is not Constitutional must be sterilized! See tagline
Not entirely true, Albert Einstein made good use of thought experiments to formulate and later explain his theories. I believe the "quantum age" of physics relies as much on thought experiments as it does on supercolliders.
Regards,
GtG
Why not go whole hog and join the Church of Euthanasia.
Of course the converse of the argument is, since some of your offspring will be happy, by sterilizing yourself you prevent an infinite amount of happiness in the future too.
In one generation most of the Country's (world's?) problems would be solved
Seriesly, that would be a good start.
He is a weak link-- a turd floating in the gene pool. There is always the possibility that his sperm might associate with a human ovary. Agreed, the chances are remote, but the consequences would be serious.
Just this once, maybe we should substitute his morality for our own and consign him to oblivion.
“Thought experiments are for useless, perennially non-productive academics like yourself, Singer.
Not entirely true, Albert Einstein made good use of thought experiments to formulate and later explain his theories.”
So did Steven Wright: “So you’re driving your car at the speed of light - what happens when you turn on your headlamps?”
(or maybe that was Einstein)
Breakfast Anytime.
I’ll have French Toast in the Renaissance.
######
My school colors were Clear.
Actually, someone on our side should have written up the "lets sterilize everyone and party proposal" in the manner of Jonathan Swift's A Modest Proposal as a parody of the antihuman aspect of the left, the "greens" in particular.
I thank God, my Creator, in whose image we are made, for every breath my wife my TEN children and I take. Every moment of our lives is a rich blessing that we cannot appreciate enough.
Psalm 30
11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
"For unflagging interest and enjoyment, a household of children, if things go reasonably well, certainly all other forms of success and achievement lose their importance by comparison." - Theodore Roosevelt
Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Not exactly:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.--Ephesians 6:12
Steven Wright, I presume.
Eveyone who thinks this is a good idea has my blessing to get themselves sterilized. In fact, I may start a charity to pay for it.
Note: Peter Singer is to be confused with good-guy, AGW skeptic S. “Fred” Singer.
Let’s just sterilize all the men. (Might keep a teensy, tiny bit of superior, top notch sperm in a sperm bank, though, just in case some of us gals get broody.)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.