Arts and Humanities Commons^™

A Place For Dialogue, Scott Kelley

Scott Kelley

Ecological Issues: A Daoist Confucian Perspective, Pamela Herron

Pamela Herron

Abstract: The Dao De Jing is the foundation of Daoism while the Lun Yu, or the Analects of Confucius, is the central text for Confucianism. The Dao De Jing in particular has long been a popular text within the new age spiritual movement in Western culture. Both classic Chinese texts emphasize working toward a harmony with nature without the assumption of man set above plants, animals, mountains, water and other aspects of nature; rather man is a part of this greater whole. This paper explores specific references in both classic texts that reinforce this idea of man being simply part …

Daoism And Sustainability: A Confucian Perspective, Pamela Herron

Pamela Herron

The Dao De Jing is the foundation of Daoism while the Lun Yu, or the Analects of Confucius, is the central text for Confucianism. Both classic Chinese texts emphasize working toward a harmony with nature without the assumption of man set above plants, animals, mountains, water and other aspects of nature; rather man is a part of this greater whole. This paper challenges the western view of man’s superiority or dominion over nature and explores specific references in both classic texts that reinforce this idea of man being simply part of the natural world. In particular can Chinese or Eastern …

Vincentian Pragmatism: Toward A Method For Systemic Change, Scott Kelley

Scott Kelley

When Pope John Paul II addressed the General Assembly of the Congregation of the Mission in 1986, he encouraged the Assembly to “search out more than ever, with boldness, humility and skill, the causes of poverty and encourage short and long term solutions; adaptable and effective concrete solutions.” Building from Vincentian heritage and the wisdom of the Vincentian family, this paper uses Pragmatic Inquiry to construct a method - Vincentian Pragmatism - that will foster the kinds of systemic change that Pope John Paul II envisioned.

Making Decisions Based On Mission And Values, Scott Kelley

Scott Kelley

No abstract provided.

Integrity Of Creation: Approaches To The True, The Good, And The Beautiful, Scott Kelley

Scott Kelley

When Pope Paul VI established the Pontifical Commission for Justice and Peace in 1967 he did not include Integrity of Creation as part of the title. Social justice has long been a topic in papal encyclicals, but in recent decades the connection between social justice and the integrity of creation has received greater attention - especially under the leadership of Pope Benedict XVI, "the green Pope" as he is sometimes known. An important aspect of this growing awareness is the profound correspondence between “knowing and known," so that "structural features of the one are bound to be reflected in the …

Subsidiarity: Challenging The Top Down Bias, Scott Kelley

Scott Kelley

Global poverty has received significant attention in the past decade, particularly after the adoption of the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals in 2002. Commentators and ethicists like Peter Singer have long held that the wealthy of the world have an obligation to help the poor. While the sentiments may be positive, there are real harms that have come from this kind of top down thinking. Subsidiarity, to the contrary, is a much more realistic and morally tenable approach to global poverty.

Becoming The New Operating System, Scott Kelley

Scott Kelley

What Must Be Done? Depaul As Sustainable Learning Community, Scott Kelley

Scott Kelley

In light of the challenges we face as human beings on a planet that is increasingly hot, flat, and crowded, we must revisit what it means to be an institution of higher education. Students exposed from a young age to concerns about social issues and the environment are looking for educational opportunities that will enable them to pursue meaningful careers to address them. As a leading educational institution in Chicago, DePaul has the opportunity to further implement its mission to educate members of all sectors of society in sustainable practices for our changing times. Living up to the motto it …

Ethics In A Time Of Crises, David A. Bainbridge

David A Bainbridge

Global crises reveal the weakness of our current ethical construct. A more inclusive ethical framework is needed to encourage and support sustainable development and management of resources and restoration of damaged ecosystems.