Ethics Towards the Environment and Its Implications for Moral Education (A Philosophical Review)

Abstrak

The contemporary ecological crisis highlights a fundamental flaw in the human relationship with nature, primarily rooted in an ethical deficit toward the environment. This urgency necessitates a profound philosophical examination of environmental conductand its integration into moral development frameworks. This study aims to (1) conceptually ormulate the philosophical underpinning of environmental ethics, (2) analyze the philosophical implications of these ethics for the substance and objectives of Moral Education, and (3) propose a conceptual model for integrating environmental conduct into Moral Education practices.Employing a philosophical approach utilizing library research, the study uses interpretive, critical, and synthetic analysis techniques on primary philosophical texts shifting the focus from anthropocentric views to ecocentric/theocentric perspectives. The findings reveal that genuine environmental conduct requires a transition from an instrumental view of nature to one that acknowledges its intrinsic value. This philosophical shift implies that Moral Education's objectives must expand to cultivate Ecological Intelligence and Cosmic Awareness, encompassing human-nature relations alongside human-human interactions. The research proposes an Ecology-Based Moral Education Model characterized by incorporating ecological interdependence into curriculum substance, prioritizing reflective and experiential learning in nature, and fostering Ecological Empathy. In conclusion, integrating a robust environmental ethic is not merely an optional addition but a necessary philosophical transformation for Moral Education, enabling the formation of individuals who practice holistic and responsible citizenship toward the entire ecosystem