The evolution of the concept of sustainable development: socio-philosophical aspects

author: Viktor Polishchuk

Urgency of the research. The concept of sustainable development is one of the key paradigms of modern scientific thought, integrating economic, environmental, and social aspects. In the context of accelerated technological development, population growth, and intensive use of natural resources, the issue of balanced development becomes critically important. Global environmental and social crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine that began in 2022, have exacerbated social and economic inequalities, worsened the state of the global ecosystem, and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges. In modern conditions, the concept of sustainable development gains new momentum, emphasizing the need for comprehensive integration of environmental, social, and economic aspects of development, which becomes the main prerequisite for the long-term preservation of human civilization and natural resources.

Target setting. The modern concept of sustainable development emerges as a response to a series of global challenges, particularly economic, social, and environmental. Traditional models of economic growth, focused on maximizing resource use, lead to environmental degradation, social inequalities, and economic instability. The main issue of sustainable development lies in the need to find a balance between meeting the needs of the current generation and preserving resources for future generations. Global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, have intensified these issues, emphasizing the importance of integrating environmental, social, and economic aspects of development. Addressing these problems requires a multidisciplinary approach and the development of new strategies capable of ensuring the long-term and harmonious development of humanity.

Actual scientific researches and issues analysis. The concept of sustainable development has been widely studied by many scholars. The report “The Limits to Growth” (1972) by Donella and Dennis Meadows, Jørgen Randers, and William Behrens first emphasized the planet's limited resources. E. F. Schumacher in “Small Is Beautiful” (1973) proposed a human-centered approach to economics, while Alvin Toffler in “The Third Wave” (1980) examined society’s adaptation to rapid changes. The Brundtland Report “Our Common Future” (1987) established the notion of sustainable development at the international level. R. Costanza, H. Daly, and J. Lovelock highlighted ecological economics and resource conservation, while Z. Hull and H. Jonas explored ethical responsibility towards future generations. A. Papuziński systematized the philosophical paradigms of sustainable development, identifying pragmatic, conservative, and systemic approaches. A. Fergus, J. Rowney, J. Habermas, and M. Foucault emphasized the importance of discourse in sustainable development. Contributions by G. Nersesyan and S. Gordidzhin focus on the regulation of corporate social responsibility.

The research objective. To examine the evolution of the concept of sustainable development from a philosophical perspective, particularly its socio-philosophical aspects, and to determine their significance for ensuring the harmonious development of society.

The statement of basic materials. The evolution of the concept of sustainable development is examined from its historical origins to modern paradigms. The impact of global crises on achieving sustainable development goals and the integration of environmental, economic, and social dimensions into decision-making processes is analyzed. Special attention is given to corporate social responsibility (CSR) as an ethical component of business and its role in sustainable development.

Conclusions. The concept of sustainable development is key to ensuring the long-term development of humanity. Its integration into social philosophy enables harmonious development that considers economic, social, and environmental aspects. International initiatives, such as the 1992 UN Conference and the Earth Charter, have contributed to establishing the concept of sustainable development on a global level, emphasizing the integration of all aspects of development. Philosophical approaches to sustainable development, presented in the works of contemporary researchers, range from pragmatic to systemic, offering various paths to achieving harmonious development. The concept of sustainable development underscores the importance of social equality and the fair distribution of resources, which are essential for the long-term development of humanity. Its integration into economic and environmental aspects ensures development sustainability, while philosophical reflection facilitates further theoretical and practical understanding of this concept as a social and ethical imperative. Philosophical analysis of sustainable development is a crucial element for further research and practical implementation of this concept.

Keywords: sustainable development, socio-philosophical aspects, global challenges, corporate social responsibility, harmonious development

 

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