QUESTION I-I: Based on the various readings and websites what, if any, seem to be the core 'agreed' principles of sustainable development and what are the key areas that are contested? Regretfully, the umbrella-term "sustainable development" is increasingly being used indiscriminately and arbitrarily, in both the scientific and the political discussion of sustainable development. The concept thus encourages increasingly arbitrary 'definitions'. For logical reasons, any concept which has to encompass almost everything (extension) must lose specific meaning (intension). However, after more then twenty years of debate about the term, one can identify an ethical profound core meaning as well as some clear contoured basic conceptions of "sustainability"1. The debate about "sustainability" refers, on a high grade of abstraction, to a way of life and economic manners that are capable for the future and which are grounded in moral obligations towards future generations and their life prospects. Thus, the orientation at intergenerational equity is constitutive for "Sustainability". In each conception of "Sustainability" there has to be answered the question which kinds of inheritance belong to a intergenerational legacy. To the pure moral perspective that deals with the question, if there are obligations towards future generations at all (e.g. Partridge 1990, Howarth 1992), there must in concreto be added power of judgement and reasoning that say something about kind, extend, and contend of the legacy. Here one moves in a scope discretion. [...]
Table of Contents
Topic I: Sustainability contested
QUESTION I-I: Based on the various readings and websites what, if any, seem to be the core 'agreed' principles of sustainable development and what are the key areas that are contested?
QUESTION I-II: Describe your ideal sustainable world. How does this relate to the perspectives provided in the readings?
Topic II: Global Challenges
QUESTION II-I: What opportunities and threats do you see recent economic and socio-cultural processes of globalisation pose for the agenda of sustainable development?
QUESTION II-II: Do you think current security tensions between 'the West' (especially UK, USA, and Australia) and 'the East' (especially Iraq, North Korea, and Indonesia) are relevant to sustainable development issues? If so, in what ways?
Topic III: Community Challenges
QUESTION III-I: What are the key social challenges posed by the ideal of sustainability for wealthy countries and for poor countries? How are these challenges different?
QUESTION III-I: Why are participatory democracy and community involvement crucial to sustainable development?
Objectives and Topics
This work examines the multifaceted nature of sustainable development, analyzing the conceptual tensions between theory and practice, the impact of globalization on ecological and social justice, and the role of community-based social capital in fostering democratic participation.
- The contested definition and ethical foundations of sustainability.
- Economic and socio-cultural impacts of globalization on sustainable development.
- The relationship between global security tensions and sustainability goals.
- Social capital as a prerequisite for civil society and economic prosperity.
- The necessity of participatory democracy in addressing complex sustainability challenges.
Excerpt from the Book
Topic I: Sustainability contested
Regretfully, the umbrella-term "sustainable development" is increasingly being used indiscriminately and arbitrarily, in both the scientific and the political discussion of sustainable development. The concept thus encourages increasingly arbitrary 'definitions'. For logical reasons, any concept which has to encompass almost everything (extension) must lose specific meaning (intension).
However, after more then twenty years of debate about the term, one can identify an ethical profound core meaning as well as some clear contoured basic conceptions of "sustainability". The debate about "sustainability" refers, on a high grade of abstraction, to a way of life and economic manners that are capable for the future and which are grounded in moral obligations towards future generations and their life prospects. Thus, the orientation at intergenerational equity is constitutive for "Sustainability".
In each conception of "Sustainability" there has to be answered the question which kinds of inheritance belong to a intergenerational legacy. To the pure moral perspective that deals with the question, if there are obligations towards future generations at all (e.g. Partridge 1990, Howarth 1992), there must in concreto be added power of judgement and reasoning that say something about kind, extend, and contend of the legacy. Here one moves in a scope discretion.
Summary of Chapters
Topic I: Sustainability contested: This chapter explores the ethical foundations and definitional debates surrounding sustainability, focusing on intergenerational equity and the distinction between strong and weak sustainability.
Topic II: Global Challenges: This chapter analyzes the contradiction between global economic expansion and ecological limits, highlighting the need for a political framework to manage the impacts of globalization.
Topic III: Community Challenges: This chapter discusses the importance of social capital and participatory democracy in overcoming obstacles to sustainability in both wealthy and poor nations.
Keywords
Sustainable development, Sustainability, Intergenerational equity, Social capital, Globalization, Eco-dumping, Participatory democracy, Strong sustainability, Weak sustainability, Global commons, Civil society, Economic prosperity, Environmental ethics, Governance, Sustainable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this publication?
The work focuses on the multifaceted challenges of achieving sustainable development, addressing theoretical definitions, the pressures of globalization, and the necessity of social and democratic involvement.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The text covers sustainability concepts, global economic/political challenges, global security tensions, and the role of communities and social capital.
What is the central research objective?
The primary objective is to critically examine the conceptual and practical requirements for sustainable development within a globalized world.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The work utilizes a synthesis of theoretical frameworks, philosophical discourse, and political-economic analysis based on international literature and agendas.
What core topics are addressed in the main sections?
The main sections address the definition of sustainability, the conflicts between global economic growth and ecological boundaries, and the social requirements for community resilience.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include sustainability, globalization, social capital, participatory democracy, intergenerational equity, and sustainable development.
How does the author view the 'arms culture' in relation to sustainability?
The author argues that military expenditure represents a 'destructive logic' that diverts essential resources away from social and environmental purposes, directly countering sustainability goals.
What is the importance of 'strong democracy' in this context?
Strong democracy is presented as vital because it fosters a communal learning process and active citizen participation, which are essential for navigating complex sustainability priorities.
- Quote paper
- Stefan Krauss (Author), 2004, Critical analysis of ecologically sustainable development, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/33616
