Abstract
In public decisions with long-term implications, decisions of the present generation will affect long-term welfare, including future generations. However, only the present generation is able to participate in such decision-making processes. In this study, we invited “Imaginary Future Generations” (IFGs), as participants in a discussion who take on the role of members of future generations to argue on behalf of their future interests to engage in present-day deliberations among residents of a Japanese town. Through analysis, it was seen that the deliberations among IFGs rose interest in issues that are related to common fundamental needs across generations. While the cognitive aspects of interpersonal reactivity, which measure the reactions of one individual to the observed experiences of another, were seen as useful in arguing for the interests of future generations, it was suggested that the environment for deliberation had a significant impact on the ability to effectively take on the role of members of future generations. Finally, this paper positioned IFGs within the broad context of general rules for good decision-making, based on an analysis of these deliberations and in light of philosophical arguments such as the veil of ignorance by John Rawls.
Highlights
Cross-generational global issues such as climate change have become an urgent issue
Whereas there are topics that are characteristic of deliberations as the present generation, there are those that are characteristic of deliberations as future generations
The analysis showed that the cognitive aspects of Interpersonal Reactivity played roles in deliberating as future generations, while there was no evidence that emotional aspects of helping future generations worked
Summary
Cross-generational global issues such as climate change have become an urgent issue. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) [1], the global average temperature at the end of the 21st century (2081–2100) compared with the end of the 20th century (1986–2005), without effective measures against global warming, will rise by 2.6 to 4.8 ◦ C, and even if severe global warming measures are taken, it is likely to rise by0.3 to 1.7 ◦ C. Cross-generational global issues such as climate change have become an urgent issue. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) [1], the global average temperature at the end of the 21st century (2081–2100) compared with the end of the 20th century (1986–2005), without effective measures against global warming, will rise by 2.6 to 4.8 ◦ C, and even if severe global warming measures are taken, it is likely to rise by. An Independent Review on the Economics of Biodiversity [2,3]. (Dasgupta Review) by the HM Treasury, UK, shows that humans are collectively unable to use nature in a sustainable manner. The way we interact with nature today is unsustainable and is endangering the lives of people and in the future
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
