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Toward a Theory of a Just Savings Principle

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Intergenerational Equity and Sustainability

Part of the book series: International Economic Association Series ((IEA))

Abstract

The question of intergenerational equity has troubled many philosophers, economists and scientists concerned with social issues. Environmentalists have argued that the modern economies are destroying the environment and reducing biodiversity, at the expense of future generations. At the other pole, Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) found it disconcerting that earlier generations should carry the burdens for the benefits of later generations.1 In a similar vein, John Rawls expressed the opinion that ‘the utilitarian doctrine may direct us to demand heavy sacrifices of the poorer generations for the sake of greater advantages for later ones that are far better off. (…) Even if we cannot define a precise just savings principle, we should be able to avoid this sort of extremes.’2

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Authors
  1. Ngo Van Long
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Yale University, USA

    John Roemer

  2. Hitotsubashi University, Japan

    Kotaro Suzumura

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© 2007 International Economic Association

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Cite this chapter

Van Long, N. (2007). Toward a Theory of a Just Savings Principle. In: Roemer, J., Suzumura, K. (eds) Intergenerational Equity and Sustainability. International Economic Association Series. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230236769_15

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