The Compatibility of Liberalism and Mandatory Environmental Education

Theory and Research in Education 0(0) 1–17

17 Pages Posted: 10 Dec 2012

See all articles by Matt Ferkany

Matt Ferkany

Michigan State University - Department of Philosophy

Kyle Whyte

University of Michigan

Date Written: December 9, 2012

Abstract

Recently scholars have wondered whether liberals can promote mandatory programs of formal environmental education, including education for the environment or sustainable development. Critics maintain that they cannot on grounds that environmental education is a threat to student autonomy or cannot be justified using liberal principles. We argue that the perceived conflict between liberalism and environmental education is exaggerated. Whatever the environmentalist ambitions of environmental education, any complete conception of it must prioritize education for skills and virtues that are consistent with students’ prospective autonomy. Liberalism is also compatible with meeting the demands of intergenerational justice, which arguably will include sustainability education if not other forms of environmental education. Finally, the skills and virtues future citizens need to manage today’s most pressing environmental problems are compatible both with those discussed in international statements on environmental education and with those commonly associated with liberal citizenship. Ultimately, environmental education that will better equip citizens to cope with environmental problems is quite possible for liberal politics.

Suggested Citation

Ferkany, Matt and Whyte, Kyle, The Compatibility of Liberalism and Mandatory Environmental Education (December 9, 2012). Theory and Research in Education 0(0) 1–17, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2187155

Matt Ferkany

Michigan State University - Department of Philosophy ( email )

503 S. Kedzie Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
United States

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.msu.edu/~ferkany/

Kyle Whyte (Contact Author)

University of Michigan ( email )

440 Church Street
Dana Building
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
United States

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