Do We Owe the Past a Future: Reply to Finneron-Burns

Abstract

According to the Unfinished Business Account, if actor p reasonably judges performing a supererogatory act ϕ at great sacrifice to herself will enable beneficiary q to achieve a greater good, then failure to promote the good made possible by ϕ wrongs p. Elizabeth Finneron-Burns questions whether it follows that we have a duty to render the sacrifices of past (and present) people more worthwhile by preventing human extinction. This note responds to her criticisms.

Author Profiles

Patrick Kaczmarek
University of St. Andrews
Simon Beard
Cambridge University

Analytics

Added to PP
2022-10-17

Downloads
301 (#70,789)

6 months
88 (#63,867)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?