Who Is David Benatar? Age, Biography and Wiki
David Benatar, born in 1966, is a prominent South African philosopher known for his work in the fields of ethics and the philosophy of pessimism. As of 2025, Benatar is 59 years old. He is best known for his controversial views on antinatalism, the belief that coming into existence is a harm. His book, "Better Never to Have Been: The Harm of Coming Into Existence," has sparked significant debate and discussion in both academic and public spheres.
Over the years, Benatar has established himself as a leading voice in contemporary philosophy, contributing numerous articles and papers that delve into the ethical implications of existence, suffering, and morality.
| Occupation | Philosophers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1966 (age 59) |
| Age | 59 Years |
| Birth Place | South Africa |
| Horoscope | |
| Country | South Africa |
Popularity
David Benatar's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements regarding David Benatar's height and weight are not publicly disclosed, he is often described as an individual who maintains a professional and scholarly appearance.
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Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, David Benatar's relationship status remains largely private. There is limited public information regarding his personal life, making details about his current boyfriend or girlfriend elusive. Given the philosopher's focus on his academic pursuits rather than his personal life, he tends to maintain a low profile concerning romantic relationships.
Net Worth and Salary
David Benatar's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $1 million. His income primarily derives from his academic career, including his position as a professor at the University of Cape Town. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Benatar has earned a considerable amount from book sales, speaking engagements, and academic publications.
Career, Business, and Investments
Benatar’s career has been marked by academic excellence and a commitment to philosophical inquiry. He has authored several influential books and has contributed significantly to the debate on antinatalism and ethics. His teaching career spans decades, with a focus on philosophy, ethics, and moral psychology.
In terms of business and investments, while Benatar does not publicly disclose specific ventures, his established position in academia and philosophy may afford him opportunities for engagements in public speaking and philosophical consultations.
David Benatar (born 1966) is a South African philosopher, academic, and author. He is best known for his work in moral philosophy and for advancing the position of antinatalism, the view that coming into existence is a serious harm.
He is the author of Better Never to Have Been: The Harm of Coming into Existence (2006), in which he argues that procreation is always morally wrong because it imposes harm by bringing sentient beings into existence.
Central to this view is his asymmetry argument, which holds that the absence of pain is good even if no one benefits from it, while the absence of pleasure is not bad unless someone is deprived of it.
Social Network
David Benatar is less active on social media compared to many contemporary philosophers. He often uses platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share his thoughts and engage with fellow academics and philosophers. However, he is not typically in the public eye, preferring to focus on his academic contributions rather than celebrity status.
Education
David Benatar holds multiple degrees in philosophy. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Cape Town and later obtained his PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand. His educational background has greatly influenced his research and philosophical inquiries, leading to his notable contributions in the areas of ethics and existential philosophy.
Benatar has also written on topics including death, ethics, human suffering, and gender discrimination. He is emeritus professor of philosophy at the University of Cape Town and a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Controversial Ideas.