MASS PRODUCTION AND THE IMPERATIVE OF DISPOSABILITY IN CONSUMER CULTURE

Abstract

Summary. The purpose of the article is to critically analyse the philosophical aspects of mass production and disposability as the main characteristics of consumerism. These two elements have formed the values and relations that are fundamental to modern society. Methodological basis of the study is the philosophical concept of consumerism and ethical responsibility. Scientific novelty. The novelty of the article lies in the critical analysis of the relationship between the philosophical and ethical aspects of mass production and disposability, which are integral parts of the ideology of consumerism. The study focuses on how these modes affect social values, human morality and environmental responsibility. Conclusions. Mass production and disposability are key elements of modern consumerism, which have profound social, philosophical and environmental consequences. These phenomena contribute to the creation of a culture of excess and consumption that threatens individuality and creativity by reducing them to standard and mass products. The disposability of goods contributes to a cycle of continuous consumption, which leads to the depletion of resources and the aggravation of environmental problems. The philosophical criticism of consumption, carried out by K. Marx, J. Baudrillard and G. Marcuse, concerns the issue of undermining human dignity and alienating a person from his or her creative potential. It is emphasised that consumption replaces deep social relations with short-term material satisfactions. This aspect is revealed in the works of Z. Bauman and Byung-Chul Han. The authors emphasise the need to introduce ethical consumption, which raises the need for responsible use of resources. A. Ness presents the concept of ‘deep ecology’, which questions the anthropocentric approach to nature, and P. Singer and J. Mason explore the ethical implications of food choices, emphasising their impact on the environment. The authors call for a reconsideration of our approaches to consumption in order to achieve a harmonious balance between material needs and environmental sustainability.