Episode 24 | Dr. David Benatar | Could Anti-natalism Harm Animals?

Dr. David Benatar is a very special guest of mine indeed. A philosophical heavyweight renowned for his work worldwide, Dr. Benatar coined the term 'anti-natalism' and wrote the infamous anti-natalist book 'Better Never to Have Been', which puts forward the argument that it is bad that sentient life comes into existence and that we ought not procreate. Dr. Benatar's work has shaped my life immensely. In this episode, I put to Dr. Benatar (a vegan anti-natalist himself) the idea put forward by NATALIST vegans (i.e. vegans who believe procreation is NOT immoral) that anti-natalism could actually HARM animals in the long run. We discuss whether anti-natalist vegans should have a duty to clear the most land space to prevent creation of new life; whether veganism's environmental "benefits" are indeed a benefit; the contentious killing predators debate; and whether humans need to be around to help mitigate the horrendous issue of wild animal suffering. Plus, Dr. Benatar gives his opinion on what vegans with carnivorous animals such as snakes in their care ought to do with the animal.