IF text 2

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Questions and Answers

What moral consideration is highlighted by the hypothetical case of generalized refusal to have children?

The moral status of non-human animals (correct)

The effectiveness of education

The role of technology in society

The impact on environmental policies

What metaphor is used to illustrate intergenerational equity in the content?

The Earth as a gift from ancestors

The Earth as an inheritance

The Earth as a borrowed property (correct)

The Earth as a shared resource

Who is referred to as advocating for a partnership across generations?

Burke (correct)

Native Americans

Hans Jonas

Gosseries

What is the main concern of intergenerational equity discussed in the content?

Comparing treatments of environmental vs public matters Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does Jonas refer to when discussing the alleged immorality?

The actions that lead to outcomes affecting future generations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is considered a new perspective on intergenerational obligations?

Private law concepts Signup and view all the answers

What does the saying about treating the Earth well imply about our relationship with nature?

Nature is a shared responsibility for current and future generations Signup and view all the answers

Which author is noted for discussing the concept of treating the Earth as a loan?

Burke Signup and view all the answers

What is the most popular definition of sustainable development?

Development that satisfies current needs while ensuring future generations can meet theirs. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the text suggest is often overlooked in discussions on sustainability?

A thorough examination of intergenerational justice. Signup and view all the answers

What should readers reflect on regarding their intuitions about justice?

If their beliefs on justice differ in intragenerational and intergenerational contexts. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component of intergenerational justice in the context of sustainability?

Protecting the environment for the future generations. Signup and view all the answers

What other normative dimensions should be considered in environmental matters according to the text?

International or interspecific equity. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges does the text imply may need a revision of general theories on justice?

Conceptual challenges associated with environmental issues. Signup and view all the answers

How does the text characterize the discussion of sustainability in relation to justice?

It is overly simplistic and does not engage with its complexity. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the intuitions of readers concerning justice in intergenerational contexts?

They rarely consider the long-term effects of their decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the interpretation of the second phase?

Both physical and intellectual activities of prior generations Signup and view all the answers

What does Rawls propose regarding savings during the accumulation phase?

Compulsory savings are justified despite potential inequalities Signup and view all the answers

Why is demanding savings from the first generation viewed as unfair?

It could reduce wellbeing for the least well off Signup and view all the answers

What does the Lockean proviso authorize regarding savings?

Dissavings only in the absence of any environmental change Signup and view all the answers

What concern does Rawls have about his obligation to save?

It could exacerbate intergenerational inequalities Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario would the prohibition on dissavings be adequate according to the content?

When environmental change occurs due to previous generations Signup and view all the answers

How does the principle that Rawls defends differ from traditional egalitarian views?

It accepts inequalities for the sake of savings Signup and view all the answers

What implication does climate change from historical emissions have in this context?

It emphasizes a loss of fairness in generational wealth Signup and view all the answers

What obligation does the current generation have if future earthquakes will particularly affect the next generation?

To save resources for the next generation. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory is argued to be most plausible for addressing intergenerational justice according to the content?

Luck egalitarianism. Signup and view all the answers

What does Brundtland's theory fail to address adequately according to the arguments presented?

The potential effects of future natural disasters. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following approaches is not supported in the context of intergenerational justice according to the content?

Indirect reciprocity. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is mentioned as a consideration for future generations rather than immediate benefits?

Biodiversity preservation. Signup and view all the answers

What does the paper imply about the logic behind savings obligations for future generations?

It arises from a different logic than utilitarianism. Signup and view all the answers

What are the examples of goods that could potentially be squandered, creating a burden for future generations?

Natural resources like oil and biodiversity. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the critiques made against Brundtland's theory in the content?

It does not provide sufficient future predictions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea of luck egalitarianism regarding disadvantages?

Compensation for disadvantages arises from circumstances beyond individuals' control. Signup and view all the answers

According to luck egalitarianism, how should society respond to disadvantages that are a result of personal choices?

The individuals should bear the costs of their choices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the prohibition on savings in luck egalitarianism?

It ensures that resources are allocated to improve the least well-off. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following situations reflects a case where social responsibility is limited according to luck egalitarianism?

People who engage in risky sports and require rescue support. Signup and view all the answers

How does luck egalitarianism perceive disadvantages related to congenital characteristics?

They are considered inherent traits that warrant societal support. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of luck egalitarianism, what is the primary concern for the least well-off across generations?

Guaranteeing they are better off than in a differently organized world. Signup and view all the answers

What does the debate regarding hospital expenses for alcohol-induced coma indicate about luck egalitarianism?

Individuals should be held accountable for costs stemming from their behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What does Brundtland's definition of sustainable development emphasize?

Meeting present needs without compromising future needs. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what are the three modalities discussed?

Prohibition, authorisation, and obligation. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key point highlighted regarding utilitarian and egalitarian theories?

Both include generational savings obligations for different reasons. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'dissavings prohibition' relate to?

A restriction against consuming more than one saves. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the phrase 'once everyone's needs are covered' in the context?

Further redistribution is unnecessary. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'basic needs' imply in the context of this discussion?

A flexible interpretation that adapts to various societies. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the standard approach to sustainable development according to Brundtland problematic for an egalitarian?

It assumes no additional redistribution is needed after basic needs are met. Signup and view all the answers

How do egalitarians view the concept of needs in the steady state phase?

They interpret the ample coverage of basic needs as sufficient. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

Theories of intergenerational justice are examined, focusing on savings/dissavings and prohibition/authorization/obligation.
The author provides a synoptic view of different theories, including indirect reciprocity, mutual advantage, utilitarian, Lockean, egalitarian, and sufficientarian approaches.
The paper highlights key differences between egalitarian and sufficientarian interpretations of sustainability.
The author addresses environmental and resource depletion problems and the need for normative rules concerning individual behavior and social organization.
New concepts like sustainable development, ecological debt, degrowth, and ecological footprint are discussed and their relation to normative issues.

Tool Box

Environmental issues require careful consideration of existing conceptual tools before developing new ones.
The metaphor of an uninhabited mountain hut with associated rules (e.g., keeping the premises clean) can be a starting point for theorizing about intergenerational equity.
Concepts of private law (property, contracts) are helpful in understanding obligations.
Native American proverb ("Treat the Earth well") and Lockean proviso ("as much and as good left for others") are relevant for understanding obligations to future generations.
Consideration of various philosophical theories of justice and their application are explored in the intergenerational context, contrasting similarities and differences between various intuitions.

Indirect Reciprocity

Indirect reciprocity theory (Brian Barry, de Shalit, Gosseries) posits an obligation to return benefits received from prior generations to future generations.
Descending reciprocity involves an obligation from current to future generations based on prior intergenerational transfers.
Substantive maxim: Current generation should pass on a capital equivalent to what it inherited.
Indirect reciprocity can justify obligations to future generations who have never interacted directly with the current generation.

Mutual Advantage

This theory suggests that cooperation is rational given potential gains.
Intergenerational cooperation is challenging due to the absence of intergenerational overlap.
Benefits must be mutual and cooperation must be sustainable across generations.

Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism prioritizes overall well-being, not distribution.
In the intergenerational context, a focus on maximizing the aggregate welfare of all generations is crucial.
Challenges include ensuring the least well-off in each generation are not disadvantaged.
Diminishing marginal utility and social discount rates can mitigate criticisms, though uncertainty about future generations poses difficulties.

Lockean Proviso

Neo-Lockean/libertarian theories emphasize self-ownership and external resource rights, potentially including first-come-first-served or similar rules.
A "Lockean Proviso" modifies principles to ensure sufficient amounts of resources remain for future generations.
Several interpretations exist, addressing natural resource modifications and individual intentions.

Rawlsian Egalitarianism

Rawls acknowledges utilitarianism's difficulties and advocates a two-stage model.
Accumulation phase: prioritizes savings for building institutions and protecting basic freedoms.
Steady state phase follows, focused on maximizing the well-being of the least advantaged in each generation.
Basic liberties take priority over distributive justice.

Egalitarianism revisited

Rawls’s theory faces objections concerning obligations to past generations or potential sacrifices for future generations for intergenerational equity.
A fair intergenerational world requires prohibiting both savings and dissavings to maximize the well-being of the least advantaged in all generations.

Brundtland's Sufficientarianism

The Brundtland definition of sustainable development (meeting present needs without compromising future generations) is not sufficient to prevent intergenerational injustices.
The prioritization of everyone's basic needs over luxury implies that no more resources are produced beyond satisfying everyone's needs.

Conclusion

The paper presents a synopsis of various intergenerational justice theories, highlighting their diverse assumptions and implications.
Key issues such as savings, dissavings, prohibitions, and authorizations are explored within each theory.
The paper concludes by emphasizing the multifaceted nature of intergenerational justice and the need for continuous research and deliberation across philosophies.

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Description

This quiz explores moral considerations, metaphors, and key concepts related to intergenerational equity and sustainable development. It examines various authors' viewpoints and invites reflection on our obligations to future generations. Test your understanding of these critical issues and how they shape our relationship with the Earth.