Mutual flourishing as an ideal aim of education

In this paper, I argue that we need to revise the idea of human flourishing as an ideal aim of education, because we live in times where it becomes more clear every day that ‘it is our own existence that threatens our existence.’ From this perspective, it is questionable whether human flourishing is still a worthy ideal to strive for. I will first argue why the ‘human’ in human flourishing is no longer viable as an ideal aim, and second, I will introduce an alternative: mutual flourishing. Between the first and the second, I will elaborate on what is meant with a ‘deep ecological perspective,’ thereby drawing on ecopedagogy and Justice-Based Environmental Sustainability (JBES). Also, I will draw on the work of Robin Wall Kimmerer and Donna Haraway to interpret ‘mutuality.’ Finally, a first attempt will be made to translate the ideal of mutual flourishing into educational practices.