Julio Cabrera (philosopher)

Julio Cabrera (born 1944 in Argentina) is an Argentine philosopher known for his work in negative ethics, which he terms "critical theory of affirmation" or "ethics of discourse and negation". He is currently Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Brasilia, Brazil.

Cabrera's philosophical project centers on a critique of what he calls "affirmative ontology" – the pervasive tendency in Western metaphysics and ethics to prioritize being over non-being, life over death, and the affirmation of existence. He argues that this ontological framework leads to a systematic denial of the inherent suffering and precariousness of human existence.

Key aspects of Cabrera's philosophy include:

• The Inherent Immorality of Birth: Cabrera controversially argues that birth itself is intrinsically immoral, as it brings a being into a world of suffering, finitude, and vulnerability without its consent. This does not imply advocating for suicide or abortion, but rather serves as a radical starting point for ethical reflection.

• The "Production of Terminality": This refers to the inherent tendency of human activity, driven by the affirmation of life, to create conditions that ultimately lead to suffering and death. This includes technological advancement, societal structures, and even personal projects.

• Minimizing Suffering: Cabrera's ethics aims to minimize the suffering inherent in existence. He proposes a focus on "articulatory efficacy," which involves using language and communication to expose and critique the structures that perpetuate suffering, thereby making possible the possibility of their dismantlement or mitigation.

• Critique of Traditional Ethical Theories: Cabrera is critical of traditional ethical theories that are based on notions of duty, rights, or universal principles, arguing that they often fail to adequately address the fundamental problems of human existence. He favors instead a pragmatic approach focused on alleviating suffering in concrete situations.

• Influence of Schopenhauer and Pessimism: Cabrera's work is significantly influenced by the pessimistic philosophies of Arthur Schopenhauer and, to a lesser extent, Friedrich Nietzsche. He shares their skepticism towards the inherent goodness of existence and their emphasis on the pervasiveness of suffering. However, Cabrera distinguishes his project from traditional pessimism by advocating for active intervention to reduce suffering rather than simply accepting it as inevitable.

Cabrera's major works include Crítica de la Moral Afirmativa: Una Reflexión sobre Aborto, Eutanasia y Suicidio (1996), A Critique of Affirmative Morality: Death, Suffering, and the Genesis of Value (2000), and Discomfort and Moral Impediment: Towards a Critical Theory of Affirmation (2019). His work has sparked considerable debate within philosophical circles, particularly regarding his provocative claims about the immorality of birth and the potential implications of negative ethics.