Philosophies of environmental education and democracy: Harris, Dewey, and Bateson on human freedoms in nature

In: The cultural and social foundations of education

Abstract

Offers a unique approach to the serious problem of environmental destruction. Watras contends that the problems of environmental destruction derive from misunderstandings in the popular views of democracy. Accordingly, the way to environmental protection lies in correcting those misconceptions by examining the outlooks of three philosophers of education: William Torrey Harris, John Dewey, and Gregory Bateson. Although their ideas are not new, advancing these democratic ideas may be of service to furthering the cause of environmental protection