Full Idea
Most striking is the impact of the contract model on our attitude to future generations. 'Why should I do anything for posterity? What has posterity ever done for me?' would be the view we ought to take.
Gist of Idea
Why should I do anything for posterity? What has posterity ever done for me?
Source
Peter Singer (Practical Ethics [1979], 03)
A Reaction
I should bury my mobile phone for future archaeologists, because it will be more valuable then than it is now. Singer cites the disposal of nuclear waste as an instance.
Book Reference
Singer,Peter: 'Practical Ethics' [CUP 1989], p.70