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 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.