The dynamic technological, economic, and social development is one of the most characteristic features of contemporary times. Although this progress brings numerous benefits, it increasingly raises questions about its axiological foundations and long-term consequences for individuals, societies, and the natural environment. In scientific debates and public discussions, the tension between efficiency, innovation, and economic growth on the one hand, and values such as human dignity, social justice, or moral responsibility on the other, is clearly evident.

The conference 'Development without Values? Ethical Challenges of the Modern World' aims to create a space for critical reflection on the relationship between development and the values that should guide it, or even limit it. At the center of the debate should certainly be ethical dilemmas related, among other things, to the development of artificial intelligence and the algorithmization of decision-making, digital transformation and changes in the socio-economic order, as well as today's forms of globalization and new models of capitalism seen from the perspective of the common good.

Certainly, special attention should be devoted to the problem of growing social and economic inequalities and their impact on social cohesion and the functioning of democracy. An important area of reflection should also be the ethical challenges associated with the climate crisis and environmental degradation, phenomena that undermine existing development paradigms and compel thinking in terms of global and intergenerational responsibility.

The conference organizers also invite consideration of whether the dominant models of development lead to the instrumentalization of humans – their work, talents, and aspirations, which sometimes are subordinated to the logic of productivity growth and competitiveness. An alternative to this approach is offered by development concepts focused on well-being, human rights, and the relationship between society and the planet, such as the human development paradigm or sustainable development.

The conference has an interdisciplinary character and invites researchers representing not only business ethics but also broadly understood humanities and social sciences, as well as public policymakers, experts, practitioners, and representatives of social organizations. Its aim would be not only to diagnose the key ethical challenges of the contemporary world, but also to seek normative frameworks and practical solutions that promote responsible, inclusive, and value-based development in the 21st century.

Calendar

The topic is: “Development without values? Ethical challenges of the modern world.” But we also invite all other kinds of contributions in business ethics.

Registration

Fees

Early bird registration ends: 1st February, 2027

We are pleased to invite doctoral students to participate in our upcoming Doctoral Workshop in Business Ethics on Wednesday, 19th May 2027. The workshop provides an opportunity for PhD candidates to present and discuss their ongoing research with peers and senior scholars in the field, and to receive constructive feedback for advancing their work.

Who should apply?

Doctoral students at any stage of their program working in the broad area of business ethics, including (but not limited to):

• Corporate responsibility and sustainability
• Ethical decision-making and leadership
• Organizational justice and fairness
• Stakeholder theory and practice
• Philosophical foundations of business ethics

Submission requirements

• If you are pursuing a cumulative dissertation: please submit a draft of one article.
• If you are writing a monograph: please submit a proposal or draft chapter.

Benefits of participation

• Expert feedback from established scholars in business ethics
• Peer-to-peer exchange and networking
• Opportunity to strengthen and refine your dissertation project
• Participation at the EBEN Annual Conference on Ethics and new beginnings at the personal, organisational and governmental level
• Participation at a Meet-the-Editor event

Practical information

Date & venue: Wednesday, 19. May 2027 at the Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Management and Communication, prof. St. Łojasiewicza 4, 30-348 Kraków, Poland

Submission terms: 1st March, 2027

Decision is sent out by: 31st March, 2027

Early bird registration ends: 1st February, 2027

Participation fees for the workshop and the EBEN Annual Conference are:

• PhD students (early registration) PLN 850;
• PhD students (late registration)   PLN 1,050;

Please send your submission (max. 20 pages) along with a short CV and a copy of your student ID eben2027@uj.edu.pl. We look forward to welcoming you to this workshop and to engaging in fruitful discussions that will help shape the future of business ethics research.

Institutional Organizers

The conference is organised by the Jagiellonian University - Faculty of Management and Social Communication and the European Business Ethics Network.

Organizing Committee

• Magdalena M. Stuss (Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland)
• Aneta Kuźniarska (Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland)
• Paweł Kozakiewicz (Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland)
• Monika Jedynak (Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland)
• Michał Michalski (Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland)
• Jacek Sójka (Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland)
• Halina Zboroń (Poznań University of Economics and Business, Poland)
• Wiesław Banach (Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland)

Scientific Committee

• Silvana Signori (University of Bergamo, Italy) - President
• Björn Fasterling (EDHEC Business School, France)
• Leire San-Jose (University of the Basque Country, Spain)
• Eberhard Schnebel (Goethe University, Germany)
• Marjo Siltaoj (Cass Business School, UK)
• Magdalena M. Stuss (Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland)
• Monika Jedynak (Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland)
• Aneta Kuźniarska (Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland)
• Michał Michalski (Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland)
• Jacek Sójka (Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland)
• Halina Zboroń (Poznań University of Economics and Business, Poland)

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Travel

Venue

The conference will be in the building:

Jagiellonian University

Faculty of Management and Communication

prof. St. Łojasiewicza 4, 30-348 Kraków, Poland

The Faculty is well communicated with the city center by tram lines 18 and 52, nearest stop is Norymberska.

Accommodation

About Kraków

Kraków is Poland’s second-largest city and one of the country’s most important historical and cultural centres. Formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Poland, the city has preserved an exceptional architectural and cultural heritage developed over centuries. Thanks to the fact that it escaped large-scale destruction during World War II, visitors can still admire its remarkably well-preserved medieval core.  

Jagiellonian University

Faculty of Management and Communication

prof. S. Łojasiewicza 4, 30-348 Kraków, Poland

email: eben2027@uj.edu.pl