ERIC Number: EJ1387904
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1350-4622
EISSN: EISSN-1469-5871
Humility Imparts the Wonders of Nature: A Virtue-Ethical Elaboration of Some of Michael Bonnett's Thoughts
Environmental Education Research, v29 n6 p852-862 2023
An attitude of: (1) metaphysics of mastery is a major ecological problem accompanied; with (2) scientism, which considers all reality is understood with one form of knowledge acquisition, that of classical experimental science. In this article, I consider the two ideas of Michael Bonnett from a virtue ethical perspective. I propose that metaphysics of mastery and scientism are virtue ethical problems of hubris. Modern hubris considers everything a resource for human use without asking for permission. I also claim humility is usually conceived incorrectly, as self-abasement and poor self-worth in a hierarchical relationship between the higher and the lower. A non-hierarchical idea of humility is proposed instead. Humility, this way conceived, is the proper evaluation of oneself. On the other hand, humility is a virtue and a way to unlearn the metaphysics of mastery and scientism. Humility also enables learning a friendlier and more realistic relation to nature. Without self-abasing humility or the self-absorbed pride of the Western subject, we can see reality in more truthful ways. This means seeing both the ecological havoc and the wonder and awe of nature in a fruitful way for environmental education.
Descriptors: Environmental Education, Educational Philosophy, Scientific Attitudes, Epistemology, Psychological Patterns, Self Concept, Ecology, World Views
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A