In this paper proposal I suggest that we should strive for ‘mutual flourishing’ as an ideal aim of education rather than for ‘human flourishing’. It is not evident (anymore) in our current time that striving for the flourishing of human beings is a desirable aim, as we are confronted with negative consequences for the world caused by human actions every day. As the French climate activist Camille Étienne writes: it is our existence that threatens our existence (2023). This raises the question: Should education still be aimed at striving to contribute to good or optimal lives for human beings?

              We need to re-think our ideal aims of education from an ecological worldview.  Developing a substantive conception of ‘mutual flourishing’ as an ideal aim of education is a necessary first step in trying to make a real transition towards a (more) sustainable world. Because, in order to achieve real change, adapting the curriculum to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) will not do.

              I will first concisely summarize current perspectives in philosophy of education on human flourishing. Then, I will explore the perspective of ‘JBES’: justice-based environmental sustainability on (higher) education, and ecopedagogy. Thirdly, I will explore the idea of ‘mutuality’ from an ecological perspective, particularly the perspective of Donna Haraway. This will provide a start in developing a substantive conception of mutual flourishing as an ideal aim of education.

philosophy of education, see uploaded file.

see uploaded file

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