Better Never to Have Been

• Is it good to be alive?
• A radical challenge to bioethics.
• Clearly argued, accessible to non-specialists.
• This may be the most provocative philosophical view ever defended.

Readership: Philosophers, especially moral philosopher; bioethicists

David Benatar, University of Cape Town

"This isn't a new book, but it is generating increasing discussion in university departments and elsewhere: hence this review... If you enjoy an ethical challenge, then read this book." - Malcolm Torry, Triple Helix

"For those who admire really careful and imaginative argumentation, and are interested in either issues of life and death, or the foundations of morality, it's a must read" - Harry Brighouse, Out of the Crooked Timber

"Benatar's discussion is clear and intelligent." - Yujin Nagasawa MIND

"[this] volume has the great merit of raising a very basic issue (the intrinsic value of human existence), which is usually assumed but rarely discussed in philosophical terms. Thus, it may be hoped that this book will encourage a thoughtful and rich exchange of ideas on such a fundamental question." - Roberto Andorno, Medical Health Care and Philosophy Journal

1: Introduction
2: Why coming into existence is always a harm
3: How bad is coming into existence?
4: Having Children: The Anti-Natal View
5: Abortion: The 'Pro-Death' View
6: Population and Extinction
7: Conclusion