A Sonogram of the Dark Side of the Dao: The Possibility of Antinatalism in Daoism
Comparative Philosophy An International Journal of Constructive Engagement of Distinct Approaches toward World Philosophy December 30, 2021 DOI: 10.31979/2151-6014(2022).130109 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThis work compares Daoist philosophy with the antinatalist philosophy of David Benatar, arguing that both offer a radical critique of consciousness as a destructive force in existence. While not claiming equivalence, the author identifies meaningful communication between classical Chinese sources and modern antinatalism. Both perspectives view consciousness as a disruptive element that distances humans from harmony—in Daoism, from the Dao—and both propose a praxis of return to undo this disruption. For Daoism, this return requires transcending ordinary conscious existence, achieved through sagehood. The author shows that the trajectory of sagehood shares key parameters with antinatalism's challenge to human hubris and its aim to reinstate cosmic humility.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Philosophy Consciousness Humility Heaven Epistemology |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key finding | Argues that Daoist philosophy and antinatalism both critique consciousness as a destructive element and offer a praxis of return to undo its disruption, with Daoist sagehood paralleling antinatalism's challenge to human hubris. |
Abstract
In the present work I study Daoist philosophy in conjunction with the radical new philosophy of antinatalism, spearheaded by South African philosopher David Benatar. Although I am not claiming equivalence between the two, a meaningful communication emerges between the classical Chinese sources used here and the modern doctrine of antinatalism. I argue that both visions partake in a radical critique of consciousness according to which this faculty of the human mind is far from what it is often held to be. In fact, it is perceived as a destructive and disruptive element of, and in, existence. Moreover, both offer a praxis of return that seeks to undo this disruption. In the case of Daoism, consciousness pushes humans ever farther away from the Dao. It is imperative to return from this exile, and to return to the Dao. This can, radically, only be achieved by the return from ‘ordinary’ conscious existence. This is the prerogative of sagehood. It will be shown that the trajectory of sagehood shares important parameters with the antinatalist quest to significantly (and perhaps conclusively) challenge human hubris in the cosmos at large, and to reinstate cosmic humility.