The Saturation View

Will MacAskill presents a new theory of population ethics: the Saturation View.

24th April 2026 [AI Narration] The Saturation View Playback speed Volume 0:00 of 1:31:29 0. Introduction In Reasons and Persons, Parfit presented the challenge of developing “Theory X”: a theory of beneficence that dissolves the Mere Addition Paradox, avoiding the Repugnant Conclusion without facing other unacceptable conclusions.1 This note describes a new view in population axiology2 — the Saturation View, or Saturationism. I think it’s a plausible candidate for Theory X. The idea came out of work I’m doing with Christian Tarsney, whom I have to thank heavily for extensive back and…

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