To never exist is always best. A critique of the metaphysics of pronatalism in contemporary bioethics
The subject of this paper is a critique of the pronatalist metaphysics that underlies bioethics and shapes the thinking and discourse on reproductive rights. The point of reference is the philosophy of antinatalism presented by Marcus T. L. Teo. Seemingly arguing in favor of antinatalism, Teo mixes antinatalist concepts with pronatalist intuitions. The consequence of combining the impossible is the restoration of negative eugenics on the one hand, and a series of contradictions on the other. The article shows that philosophical antinatalism is a universal position that indicates that procreation always, everywhere and for everyone is wrong. The paper simultaneously exposes and criticizes the metaphysics of pronatalism underlying bioethical discourse. Weakening pronatalism in bioethics and turning more attention to antinatalism could bring good results for women, the environment, and bioethics itself in terms of its thematic preferences.
Authors
- Konrad Szocik (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7262-3915)
Institutions
- University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow (PL)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Bioethics
- Published
- 2024-11-13
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1111/bioe.13376
- Citations
- 3
- Primary Topic
- Ethics and Legal Issues in Pediatric Healthcare
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 3.33