The ethical lag regarding the environment and how to address it through education in Malaysia

Stefan Bucher

doi:10.31686/ijier.vol2.iss1.137

Authors

Stefan Bucher University of Malaya, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol2.iss1.137

Keywords:

Environmental ethics, ethical lag, education, philosophy, religion, Malaysia

Abstract

First I explain the need for environmental ethics in general and in Malaysia in particular. We have been severely lagging ethically regarding the new capabilities and responsibilities we have in affecting the environment in many ways, last not least through our life styles. Therefore it is important to develop environmental ethics education based on both philosophical and religious ethics. A major challenge is to move between tradition and modernity and in an ethical spectrum ranging from theocentrism to enlightened anthropocentrism. Unsustainable patterns like overconsumption and overpopulation have to be addressed as well as the role of active citizenship. Recommended educational approaches include critical thinking, multiple perspectives learning and the learning of values.

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Author Biography

Stefan Bucher, University of Malaya, Malaysia

Centre for Civilisational Dialogue

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