ABSTRACT
Memory plays an important role in the identity of members of communities and families. This chapter describes 'historical memory' the remembrance by members of real or imagined events in the history of their family or community, or of the intentions, values, wishes or deeds of their ancestors or predecessors. Some ideas about obligation that arise out of historical memory have been given a justification. Citizens of intergenerational societies like states have responsibilities in regard to the past, but it remains to be seen whether they have duties to, or in regard to, the dead. In presenting justifications for some of the beliefs about duties or obligations arising from historical memory and the identity formed by this memory. The chapter defends some common and relatively uncontroversial views about responsibilities with respect to the past by explaining how the demands or deeds of members of one generation of a transgenerational society can morally bind their survivors or successors.
