Quote:An instinctual desire to have sex is not the same as an instinctual desire to have children. I am inclined to accept that the former is an instinctual desire, but I have seen no evidence that the latter is an instinctual desire. It seems more related to socialization than instinct.Yes, but isn't it true that most species with some exceptions have tendency to reproduce and search for compatible mates with said goal?
Quote:Also, something being an instinctual desire does not mean that it has no connection to morality. For the example of sex, consider rape and cheating on someone when one has promised to be faithful. Having an instinctual desire does not excuse all actions based on that desire.I agree. But your argument depends what you consider as moral and becomes subjective. In every era, time and culture I can find reasons to not have children. Ultimately people have children because they want to and because of societal pressure. As I said, my girlfriend wants to have 4 children and I accept the idea though I'd like to reduce the number down to 2 - It's probably her biggest dream since she was 6, she wants to be a mother - I like the idea of passing down my genes and generating offspring, it fascinates me. It is possible to be raised by a rich family and lack psychological and affectionate support, specially when parents spend too much time working, and it happens to some folks to be raised with a poor/very poor family that still works hard, day and night, to provide them with all that's necessary even if it means the parents lacking basic fulfillment.
The argument of "we don't know how life will be" is dependent on randomness and says nothing - It could be awesome, mild or horrible, we simply don't know - My life tomorrow could be all of those things, I could be hit by a truck, win the lottery or get an amazing job offer, I don't know, but I still wake up and live my day comfortably and rationally.
Quote:That is irrelevant. The decision is about whether or not to create a life, and the moral question is whether it is right to create a life or not.I think it is morally neutral. Taking a life is immoral for many reasons. Creating one seems just neutral because it can happen for many reasons.
Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you