ERIC Number: EJ1111960
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0013-1857
EISSN: N/A
Towards Self-Realisation: Exploring the Ecological Self for Education
Wang, Chia-Ling
Educational Philosophy and Theory, v48 n12 p1256-1265 2016
This study examines the concepts of self-realisation and the ecological self in Arne Naess's ecosophy, which considers the manner in which human inherent potentialities are realised in educational practices. This article first elucidates the meaning of the concepts of self-realisation and the ecological self according to Naess's work. Second, the manner of developing the ecological self is discussed by drawing on Buddhist concepts, specifically the advice in the Diamond Sutra. Third, the means of achieving self-realisation is further considered from the view of the Chinese philosophy of Taoism. Both of these Eastern philosophies posit that a clear and peaceful mind can realise the inherent potentialities of the self. With the rapid development of science and technology, education has been unconsciously jeopardised by instrumentalism and consumerism. This has endangered the constitution of modern subjectivity, and engendered an alienated relationship with nature. This article concludes with some thoughts related to this crisis. I conceive of an educational engagement for self-realisation, and argue that a bridge from self-centred to self-realisation is necessary in education.
Descriptors: Self Actualization, Self Concept, Educational Philosophy, Educational Practices, Buddhism, Religion, Environment
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A