Transformative experience
For the purpose of this essay, set aside any moral beliefs you have about having children. Maybe
you believe it is immoral to create new humans, or you think it’s morally virtuous to have
children, etc. Ignore that here.
Assume that having children is a morally neutral act, neither wrong nor virtuous. It’s not that
your moral beliefs don’t matter! But if you include them, your essay will not be on the right
topic, which is the epistemic challenge of transformative experiences.
Optional: You may write a partly personal essay if you do not have any children and
1) you are planning to have children, or
2) you are planning to not have children.
(If you have children already, or you have no plans either way, or you just don’t want to make
the essay about yourself, then don’t write your essay in this personal way.) Do you think it is
rational for you (or anyone) to have either plan (to have or to not have children)? Explain the
challenge that Paul raises to the rationality of this decision. Your discussion should include some
relevant specific considerations about having/raising children. A good essay will discuss Barnes’
criticism of Paul and possibly Paul’s response. However, you should do more than summarize
their exchange. You should state your view (that such plans are rational or that they’re not) and
why you have it.
