I agree that it shouldn’t be taboo to argue this, but I also think the idea that insects have negative lives is possibly more dangerous because of the potential second order effects if it is acted on. Logical actions if insects have net negative lives could be
- Wiping out of natural environments - Reducing biodiversity
If we were fortunate enough that most insects had net positive lives while being sentient, the steps to improve the overall situation for insects might not be as drastic?
I have to say I’m not entirely comfortable with the concept of net positive/negative lives, as neither can really be proven or disproven. I find the term “life worth living” as described by Peter Godfrey-Smith in his wonderful book “Living on Earth” more useful and intuitive. From an evolutionary perspective, experiencing life as not worth living seems so maladaptive that I would almost rule it out. If we assume that invertebrates experience their lives as worth living, there are many logical consequences. E.g. reducing light pollution, advocating for pesticide-free agriculture, promoting veganism, protecting habitat, engaging in rewilding and opposing the commercial transport of bees for pollination.
I agree that it shouldn’t be taboo to argue this, but I also think the idea that insects have negative lives is possibly more dangerous because of the potential second order effects if it is acted on. Logical actions if insects have net negative lives could be
- Wiping out of natural environments
- Reducing biodiversity
If we were fortunate enough that most insects had net positive lives while being sentient, the steps to improve the overall situation for insects might not be as drastic?
This is hard to be confident on either way though
I have to say I’m not entirely comfortable with the concept of net positive/negative lives, as neither can really be proven or disproven. I find the term “life worth living” as described by Peter Godfrey-Smith in his wonderful book “Living on Earth” more useful and intuitive.
From an evolutionary perspective, experiencing life as not worth living seems so maladaptive that I would almost rule it out.
If we assume that invertebrates experience their lives as worth living, there are many logical consequences. E.g. reducing light pollution, advocating for pesticide-free agriculture, promoting veganism, protecting habitat, engaging in rewilding and opposing the commercial transport of bees for pollination.