Having Children

Originally Posted by Astarael

However, even though in evolutionary terms it's beneficial to have a maternal instinct, that does not mean that everyone has such an instinct, which is what you're claiming.

I'm claiming that the vast majority have these instincts. I've already said that there are exceptions, though.

It's an empirical fact, for instance, that even though being attracted to the opposite sex may be said to be a Darwinian instinct, there are many people who feel a much greater attraction to the same sex. They don't choose it, they don't have to "fight" an attraction to the opposite sex, and they are not influenced by culture - that's simply how they are. Similarly, just as there are gay people, there are people who don't really feel the desire to have children.

I understand that. I was wrong to say "not wanting children is wrong" on the basis that it makes sense for us to do it.

So do you think homosexuality is also highly unpreferrable?

I would definitely think that heterosexuality is better than homosexuality, and it would be the preferable situation if that situation can change. However, since it can't, I can't argue about it. A person's stance on having children, however, can change.

Originally Posted by Trap Master

@ TheBattler
There are exceptions.

Which is what I've been saying.

But genetic variation and unique genes could have an abberation or mutation that causes them not to have positive feelings towards children. Bad experiences can also affect this.

Yeah.

I actually did send a post your way about the naturalistic fallacy earlier, but no one at all seemed to see that. And it IS a naturalistic fallacy to say it is wrong to not want to have kids. Maybe it is contrary to the purpose of evolution, but evolution is mindless anyway. We aren't obligated to obey it like some kind of slaves as has happened throughout 99 percent of human history on the unconscious level.

Right. I'm going to concede that I should not used instincts and naturalistic tendencies as a moral standard.