The Papal Encyclical Laudato Si’

• Main Authors: KENNEDY, ANN-MARIE, SANTOS, S.J., NICHOLAS J. C.
• Format: text
• Published: Archīum Ateneo 2017
• Subjects: sustainability; Laudato Si’; ecosophy; New Ecological Paradigm; Western Dominant Social Paradigm; poverty; Roman Catholic Social Teaching; integrative justice model
• Online Access: https://archium.ateneo.edu/jmgs/vol5/iss1/7; https://archium.ateneo.edu/context/jmgs/article/1059/viewcontent/the_papal_encyclical_laudato_si_rsquo.pdf
• Institution: Ateneo De Manila University

This article seeks to reflect upon Laudato Si’, the papal encyclical on ecology and sustainable development, and uncover its apparent philosophical and practical approach to the environment. It begins with a discussion of paradigms of thought that outline the new ecological paradigm (NEP) suggested in the ecological literature, thereby helping to situate the ecosophy of Laudato Si’ within current thought. As we will show, Laudato Si’ differs from the NEP by linking the poor to our approach to sustainability and in its consideration of integral ecology. Specific principles for sustainability in business are then identified and strategic approaches are recommended, as are guidelines for an eco-justice approach to business and business education.