Duty and Reciprocity in Intergenerational Ethics

In layingIntergenerational ethics the foundationReciprocity for intergenerational ethics, arguments emphasize: the duty of the present generation and; reciprocity among different generations. The conventional argument emphasizes duty. However, the drawback of this argument is that it cannot ensure the realization of desirable intergenerational relations based on intergenerational ethicsIntergenerational ethics. It is necessary to develop the argument that finds reciprocityReciprocity among generations. The two types of reciprocity are: indirect and direct. This book focuses on direct reciprocityReciprocity. People are interested in the continuation of human beings after their personal death. This interest can be shared among different generations and triggers them to enter into a relationship of direct reciprocity. The function of this reciprocityReciprocity is developed in an economic model and interpreted as public reciprocity.