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Discounting: reflections on the scientific and ethical dimensions of the debate

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  • H. Unnerstall

Abstract

Discounting is still a highly contested element of cost–benefit analysis. From an epistemological point of view, three levels of arguments must be distinguished: the empirical, the conceptual and the ethical level. On the conceptual level, discounting turns out to be a hypothesis that has to be justified empirically. This approach requires a method for a direct (utility-)evaluation of future cash-flows in order to prove that discounting correctly represents changes of utility-values in time. Reacting on ethical criticism, economic theory tends to draw a sharp line between intra- and inter-generational discounting. This is ethically unacceptable as the composition of any generation is arbitrary. Therefore, many intra-generational problems can be reformulated as inter-generational problems and vice versa. There can be only one consistent theory of inter-temporal justice.

Suggested Citation

  • H. Unnerstall, 2003. "Discounting: reflections on the scientific and ethical dimensions of the debate," International Journal of Sustainable Development, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 6(1), pages 54-69.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijsusd:v:6:y:2003:i:1:p:54-69
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    Cited by:

    1. Stefan Bayer, 2004. "Nachhaltigkeitskonforme Diskontierung: das Konzept des "Generation Adjusted Discounting"," Vierteljahrshefte zur Wirtschaftsforschung / Quarterly Journal of Economic Research, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research, vol. 73(1), pages 142-157.
    2. Stefan Bayer, 2003. "Generelle Nichtdiskontierung als Bedingung für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung?," IAW Discussion Papers 13, Institut für Angewandte Wirtschaftsforschung (IAW).

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