To what extent should societies attempt to meet present needs, and to what extent should they try to provide for the future
to the extent that they provide enough needs for now, and what is left is left. Theres old/extremist political views called libertarianism and socialism. Basically it boils town to the fact that the Earth belongs to men in common, so you can only take something from the earth if you left enough for the well-being of the common of man. Get it? Its kind of a take just what you need so there'll be plenty to go around.
What needs are you concerned about? Once you indicate this, we can give you a better answer. Societies need to be aware of the available resources currently and in the future to make decisions. Also there might be costs in implementing plans, which can offset the advantages of future plans.
I hope this helps a little more. If not, please repost your questions in more specific terms. Thanks for asking.
The question of how societies should balance meeting present needs versus providing for the future is a complex one that does not have a one-size-fits-all answer. However, I can provide some guidance on how to approach this question.
1. Assess current needs: Begin by identifying and understanding the immediate needs of individuals within the society, such as food, shelter, healthcare, education, and employment. This requires gathering data and evaluating the extent to which these needs are being met.
2. Consider long-term sustainability: It is important to also consider the needs of future generations and the sustainability of resources. This involves analyzing factors like population growth, resource availability, and environmental impact. Assessing the potential consequences of not planning for the future can help in determining appropriate actions to take.
3. Prioritize and allocate resources: Once the present needs and future concerns are identified, societies need to decide how to allocate resources effectively. This is often done through policy-making and governance structures. Balancing immediate needs with long-term considerations may require making trade-offs and prioritizing certain areas over others.
4. Involve stakeholders: Engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including community members, experts, policymakers, and representatives from affected groups, in the decision-making process. This ensures a more comprehensive understanding of needs and perspectives, leading to better-informed decisions that consider a wider array of interests.
It is important to note that perspectives on this issue can vary greatly depending on cultural, political, and philosophical beliefs. Therefore, there isn't a universally agreed-upon extent to which societies should meet present needs versus provide for the future.