Philosophy of history and generational ethics

Abstract

Scholars of Philosophy of History and scholars of Future Ethics/Generational Ethics have started to explore the interdependencies between their respective disciplines. This article sheds light on Rohbeck’s notion to incorporate Future Ethics within Philosophy of History. I argue that teleological concepts, such as Hegel’s and Marx’, are a constituting component of Philosophy of History. As they are incommensurable with Future Ethics/Generational Ethics, the prospects of a merger of the two disciplines look bleak. At the same time, the notions of ‘progress’ and ‘development’ play a central role in both disciplines. As the ‘lead discipline’, Future Ethics/Generational Ethics should take an interest in teleological concepts of history, historiography and philosophy of history instead of largely ignoring these disciplines, as is the status quo.