THE CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AS A SUBJECT OF SOCIO-PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

The article provides a socio-philosophical analysis of the concept of sustainable development as one of the key ideas of the modern global discourse, which defines new worldview guidelines in the interaction of humanity with the natural, social and technological environment. The thesis is substantiated that the concept of sustainable development is not only a set of economic or environmental strategies, but a holistic philosophical paradigm that has ontological, anthropological, ethical, and axiological dimensions. The trinity of sustainable development is analyzed – ecological, economic and social components – as interrelated and interdependent aspects of modern life, requiring a systemic approach to determining future development directions. Special attention is paid to the problems of harmonizing these dimensions. The focus of the study is on philosophical approaches to the interaction of human and nature, including criticism of anthropocentrism and consideration of ecocentric and biocentric concepts. The role of modern technologies in the formation of both potentials and threats to achieving the goals of sustainable development is determined. The contribution of philosophical concepts, in particular, ecological ethics (earth ethics, biocentric egalitarianism) to the formation of a new ethical paradigm of interaction with the environment is analyzed. Criticism of the concept of sustainable development is considered, in particular, from the side of post- structuralism, economic realism and supporters of the concept of “strong” sustainability. The article also draws attention to alternative economic models – circular economy, degrowth – which offer new scenarios for the transition to sustainable development. As a result, the need to integrate philosophical approaches to sustainable development into global and local policies is substantiated in order to form a harmonious, just and viable future.