Environmental Ethics and Challenges in Postmodernity: Social Responsibility, Business, Community, and the Environment

Abstract

The growing environmental issue and its impact on human beings have garnered significant attention in public opinion. The current consumer society, with its profound effect on natural resources, is not a product of natural evolution but rather the result of ongoing sociocultural changes. Understanding the societal origins and consequences of the imminent environmental crisis is essential for devising solutions to this civilizational challenge, closely tied to the economic organization of modern society.

This article aims to explore the relationships and connections between Ethics and the Environment in the context of Postmodernity. It proposes addressing the challenges of social responsibility, significance, and scope in relation to Law, community, business, and the environment. The first section critically analyzes the various stages of sociocultural evolution and their impact on natural resources. Special emphasis is placed on the Mercantilist and Industrial Revolutions, which shaped the contemporary landscape. The causes of sociocultural change and the differing processes influencing civilization's conception and human-nature relationship are highlighted.

The second section delves into the concepts of Modernity and Postmodernity, examining similarities and differences between theoretical perspectives. It investigates historical characteristics such as the society of risk, capitalism, and the shift in corporate attitudes towards sustainable development, employing green marketing strategies to attract environmentally conscious consumers.

The third section discusses the ethical dimensions and efficacy of environmental, social, and consumption relations. Topics explored include human-nature relationships, the origin and concept of sustainability, the necessity of an ethical framework concerning the environment, and the behavioral changes required from individuals and businesses to ensure the preservation of life on Earth.

The final section investigates the evolution of the social function of companies and corporate social responsibility. It explores whether contemporary businesses adopt different ethical approaches compared to profit-oriented liberal enterprises and assesses the impact of the social function on the community and the environment.

In conclusion, this article examines the stages of development and their implications for the proposed relationships, with a specific focus on legal observations and their social and functional implications based on contemporary concepts.