Responsibility Towards Future Generations: Ethical Considerations

This lecture discusses the principle of responsibility in the context of intergenerational equity and sustainable development. It begins by examining the Swiss Constitution's emphasis on responsibilities towards future generations. The instructor outlines the course structure, focusing on the connections between generations, the importance of considering future needs, and ways to enhance intergenerational responsibility. The lecture highlights the impact of current actions on future generations, particularly in relation to climate change and resource management. It presents a cohort perspective on how different generations experience environmental changes, emphasizing the increased exposure of younger generations to climate extremes. The discussion includes various forms of capital, such as natural, manufactured, human, immaterial, and financial, and their relevance to future sustainability. The instructor poses critical questions about the ethical obligation to care for future populations, referencing a quote by Groucho Marx to illustrate the interconnectedness of generations. The lecture ultimately calls for a collective responsibility to ensure a sustainable future for all generations.