Syntymisriskillä

Syntymisriskillä is a Finnish term that translates directly to "at the risk of being born." It refers to a complex ethical and philosophical concept concerning the potential harms or burdens that an individual might face as a consequence of their existence. The concept is often discussed in relation to procreation and the decision-making processes involved in having children.

The core of syntymisriskillä lies in the acknowledgment that bringing a person into the world inevitably exposes them to a range of potential negative experiences. These can include suffering, pain, illness, disability, loss, and ultimately, death. It raises questions about whether it is morally permissible to create a new life when it is known that this life will inevitably encounter adversity.

Philosophers have explored this concept from various perspectives. Some argue that the potential for suffering is so significant that it might render procreation morally problematic, especially if the quality of life for the potential child is likely to be poor. Others counter that the decision to have children is often based on love, hope, and the desire to share life's joys, and that the potential for suffering should not negate these positive aspects.

The concept also touches upon the idea of parental responsibility. Parents, by choosing to bring a child into existence, assume a duty of care to minimize the risks and burdens the child may face. However, the extent of this responsibility and the ability to foresee and prevent all potential harm are subjects of ongoing debate. Syntymisriskillä highlights the profound ethical considerations inherent in the act of creating new life.