This volume investigates the moral and political obligations current generations owe to those who will succeed them, specifically addressing the fairness of imposing debt, constitutional constraints, and environmental burdens on future populations. The editors, Axel Gosseries and Lukas H. Meyer, curate a collection of essays from sixteen philosophers who analyze these intergenerational dilemmas through diverse ethical frameworks. By synthesizing theoretical perspectives with practical policy concerns, the text establishes a rigorous foundation for evaluating how contemporary decisions impact the autonomy and welfare of future citizens.

Scholars and students of political philosophy frequently cite this volume as a comprehensive survey of the competing ethical frameworks surrounding intergenerational obligations. The prose is noted for its academic rigor, making it a standard reference for those researching the intersection of ethics, law, and long-term public policy.