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Surv. Perspect. Integr. Environ. Soc., 1, 39-49, 2008
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Theories of intergenerational justice: a synopsis

A. Gosseries
Permanent Research Fellow, Fund for Scientific Research (FRS-FNRS),
Chaire Hoover d'éthique économique et sociale,
3, Place Montesquieu – 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium

Abstract. In this paper, the author offers a synoptic view of different theories of intergenerational justice, along two dimensions (savings/dissavings) and three modalities (prohibition, authorisation, obligation). After presenting successively the indirect reciprocity, the mutual advantage, the utilitarian and the Lockean approaches, special attention is given to the egalitarian theory of intergenerational justice. Two key differences between the egalitarian view on intergenerational justice and the sufficientarian interpretation of sustainability are highlighted.

Full Paper (PDF, 151 KB)

Citation: Gosseries, A.: Theories of intergenerational justice: a synopsis, Surv. Perspect. Integr. Environ. Soc., 1, 39-49, 2008.   Bibtex   EndNote   Reference Manager