This chapter explores Dr. John B. Cobb Jr.’s proposal for an educational paradigm shift toward ecological civilization. Recognized as one of the most significant Western philosophers, Dr. Cobb (1925–2024) critiques the current educational model for failing to nurture leaders capable of fostering an ecological civilization. He highlights that modern education tends to produce sophisticated egoists, contributing to today’s ecological crises, and points to a dire need for transformative change to avoid the fate of human self-destruction. Dr. Cobb advocates for a shift from “rootless” to “rooted” education, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches over strict discipline adherence (“disciplinarity”), and advocating for value-laden rather than value-free education. He also proposes moving from a competitive to a harmony-oriented educational framework. Furthermore, the chapter examines the relevance of Dr. Cobb’s educational vision within the Chinese context, arguing that the uncritical adoption of Western educational models may impede the development of an ecological civilization. It posits that education, deeply embedded in the cultural context and informed by diverse wisdom traditions, is essential to cultivate an ecological civilization effectively.

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Cobb’s Thought on Education for Ecological Civilization

  • Meijun Fan,
  • Lu Liu

摘要

This chapter explores Dr. John B. Cobb Jr.’s proposal for an educational paradigm shift toward ecological civilization. Recognized as one of the most significant Western philosophers, Dr. Cobb (1925–2024) critiques the current educational model for failing to nurture leaders capable of fostering an ecological civilization. He highlights that modern education tends to produce sophisticated egoists, contributing to today’s ecological crises, and points to a dire need for transformative change to avoid the fate of human self-destruction. Dr. Cobb advocates for a shift from “rootless” to “rooted” education, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches over strict discipline adherence (“disciplinarity”), and advocating for value-laden rather than value-free education. He also proposes moving from a competitive to a harmony-oriented educational framework. Furthermore, the chapter examines the relevance of Dr. Cobb’s educational vision within the Chinese context, arguing that the uncritical adoption of Western educational models may impede the development of an ecological civilization. It posits that education, deeply embedded in the cultural context and informed by diverse wisdom traditions, is essential to cultivate an ecological civilization effectively.