ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the value of childhood. It distinguishes and explores several different ways in which childhood may be valuable, and the ways in which it may be valuable for different people and at different times in their lives. It considers the ways in which adults may benefit from children – both as parents and as non-parents. It then goes on to consider whether childhood is good for us as children, compared with adulthood: if we could skip or speed up childhood, would that be in our own interests? It considers these questions from two different viewpoints: one in which the same accounts of well-being apply to both children and adults; and one in which differing accounts of well-being apply to children and adults. A novel account of well-being is developed, and problems with it are exposed and explored. Finally, the idea that childhood is necessary preparation for a good adulthood is examined.
