ENGLISH MEBY

多国籍企業の倫理的ジレンマ:宗教哲学と環境問題の狭間で」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

The sprawling multinational corporation, OmniCorp, found itself at the nexus of a complex ethical dilemma. Its lucrative mining operations in the remote Andean region, while boosting shareholder profits and providing much-needed jobs, were simultaneously causing significant environmental damage. Acid rain, a direct consequence of the mining processes, was devastating the surrounding ecosystem, impacting local flora and fauna, and threatening the livelihoods of indigenous communities who relied on the land for their sustenance. Adding another layer of complexity was the deep-seated religious and philosophical beliefs of these communities. Their worldview, rooted in animism and a profound respect for the interconnectedness of all living things, viewed OmniCorp's actions as a sacrilegious violation of sacred natural spaces. They saw the acid rain not merely as environmental pollution, but as a spiritual defilement, a disruption of the cosmic harmony they believed in. OmniCorp, aware of the growing discontent and negative publicity, initially attempted to address the issue with superficial CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives. These efforts, however, proved insufficient to appease the increasingly vocal opposition. The company's attempts to reconcile its pursuit of profit with its environmental and social responsibilities were hampered by conflicting perspectives and a lack of genuine understanding of the local culture and its deeply ingrained religious beliefs. The company's internal ethical debates mirrored the broader societal tension between economic growth and environmental sustainability. While some executives argued for a complete cessation of mining activities to avert further environmental damage and mitigate social unrest, others stressed the economic implications and the potential loss of jobs. The conflict illuminated the intricate web of ethical dilemmas faced by multinational corporations operating in diverse cultural and environmental contexts, where profit-driven motives often clash with local values and ecological considerations. The situation underscored the urgent need for a more nuanced and culturally sensitive approach to corporate responsibility, one that genuinely incorporates diverse perspectives and acknowledges the interconnectedness between economics, environment, and spirituality.

1. What is the central ethical dilemma faced by OmniCorp?

2. How does the passage characterize the indigenous communities' worldview?

3. What best describes OmniCorp's initial response to the environmental damage and social unrest?

4. What does the conflict at OmniCorp highlight regarding multinational corporations?