Skip to content
Carmelics
TopicsThinkersChangesContributorsLoading account…

    Carmelics

    A reasoning platform. Break down any belief into clear reasons, explore both sides, and weigh the evidence honestly.

    Navigate

    • Topics
    • Search
    • Recent Changes
    • Contribute
    • How It Works
    • Glossary
    • Thinkers
    • Contributors
    • About
    • Statistics
    • Terms
    • Privacy

    Database

    Statements
    —
    Perspectives
    —
    Topics
    —

    Press ? for keyboard shortcuts

    LoyalLoyalJusticeJustice
    Made withinDC&Austin
    Statements
    321,452
    Perspectives
    108,905
    Topics
    42
    Home/Original/inverse
    See Original
    Inverse View

    It is not the case that The asymmetry argument underpinning antinatalist reasoning, as articulated by Benatar, presupposes a secular hedonic calculus that is conceptually incommensurable with Augustinian theological value theory.

    ?Set your confidence on the premises below to see your aggregate.

    Reasons For

    1 perspective
    Reason for
    ?
    • 1.Both frameworks can agree procreation requires moral justification; their value foundations differ but aren't necessarily incommensurable in practical terms.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.Antinatalism doesn't require hedonism—it's compatible with various value theories (virtue ethics, deontology) that Augustine would also recognize as rational.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Augustine himself valued existence despite suffering, suggesting theological frameworks may endorse rather than refute antinatalism's underlying logical structure.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.Benatar's asymmetry treats absence of pain as intrinsically good, but Augustine grounds value in divine will and cosmic order, not subjective experience.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.Secular hedonic calculus cannot accommodate Augustine's framework where suffering has redemptive meaning transcending pleasure-pain binaries.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.The asymmetry argument requires value-neutrality toward non-existence, which Augustine's theism fundamentally rejects through concepts of creation and providence.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Next step

    Based on where you are in your exploration

    Strongest counterpoint
    Explore the most compelling reason on the other side.