Question

We have a moral obligation not to destroy books, even if they belong to us. The reason is quite simple: If preserved, books will almost certainly contribute to the intellectual and emotional enrichment of future generations.

Which one of the following most accurately expresses the principle underlying the argumentation above?

(A) It is morally incumbent upon us to devote effort to performing actions that have at least some chance of improving other people’s lives.

(B) We are morally obligated to preserve anything that past generations had preserved for our intellectual and emotional enrichment.

(C) The moral commitments we have to future generations supersede the moral commitments we have to the present generation.

(D) We are morally obligated not to destroy anything that will most likely enrich, either intellectually or emotionally, our posterity.

(E) Being morally obligated not to destroy something requires that we be reasonably assured that that thing will lead to the betterment of someone we know.

Answer 1

The principle behind the argument against destroying books is best represented by the perspective that we have a moral duty to not destroy potential sources of future enrichment, which coincides with themes in environmental ethics and conservation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The principle underlying the argument that we have a moral obligation not to destroy books for the sake of future generations is most accurately expressed by option (D): "We are morally obligated not to destroy anything that will most likely enrich, either intellectually or emotionally, our posterity." This choice aligns with the concept that our actions should aim to benefit future generations, akin to our obligations in environmental ethics and conservation. These ideologies are grounded on the anthropocentric view that while human interests are at the forefront, they encompass a responsibility to ensure the sustainability of resources for coming generations. As the environmental ethicists suggest, our moral responsibilities today should be judged by their impact on the future, ensuring that we balance our present actions with the potential to improve the lives of those who will inherit the Earth.