Desire, responsibility, and the ethics of having children

When and where

Date and time

Mon, Oct 19 · 6:30 p.m.EDT — local Ottawa time

Location

Working Title Kitchen330 Laurier East, Ottawa, ONOttawa

About this event

Having children is often described as an act of love, a source of meaning, or simply part of life. But it also means making an irreversible decision for someone who cannot consent to it. For October’s edition of The Table, we’ll explore the ethics of bringing a new person into existence. Does the possibility of joy justify the certainty of some suffering? What makes a reason for having children a good one? And can we examine this deeply personal choice without judging those who make it differently? Our focus will be on the ideas; no one needs to explain or defend their personal circumstances. **Suggested reading:** [“Is it OK to have kids?” — Richard Chappell, Aeon](https://aeon.co/essays/do-people-have-a-moral-duty-to-have-children-if-they-can) **Optional counterpoint:** [“Kids? Just say no” — David Benatar, Aeon](https://aeon.co/essays/having-children-is-not-life-affirming-its-immoral) No background in philosophy is needed, and reading beforehand is encouraged but optional. Bring

Official details

Tickets:

Official ticket page for Desire, responsibility, and the ethics of having children

Price:

Free

Organizer:

The Table: A Philosophy Café

Listing source:

meetup

Last verified October 8, 2026 · evntally doesn't sell tickets — we point you to the box office.