GAZDASÁGI ETIKA AZ ANTROPOCÉN KORBAN (BUSINESS ETHICS IN THE ANTHROPOCENE)

The Anthropocene has been caused mostly by the cumulative effects of business activities of the last 50-60 years. This dramatic deterioration of the Earth is mainly due to current patterns of production and consumption. Business activities have come to dominate all spheres of life almost everywhere on the planet. Disregarding the carrying capacity of the ecosystems businesses pose huge burdens on present and future life forms (human and non-human alike).
Business ethics has a major role to play in the development of sustainable business organizations. In particular, it has to challenge the currently prevailing management theories and business practices. The main areas of analysis and action include (i) promoting frugal production and consumption models, and (ii) accepting the intrinsic value of nature. New, progressive business models need to be created by which business organizations can serve the common good of society, nature and future generations, in addition to profit making.