The «Good Living» philosophy: an inspiration for education in nature

Abstract

This work offers an analysis of the «Good Living» philosophy as an alternative to the model of contemporary life, which focuses on man’s abuse of nature and his indifference towards it, with humans being considered superior – the center of the world. Not only does the article criticize the capitalist system and western model, which claim to be universal, but it also reflects on the possibilities that other life styles may have to offer, such as those of the indigenous populations that inspire «Good Living». This leads us to contemplate new models of life and relationships, more orientated towards respect, justice, solidarity and peace. The possibility of «Good Living» can only be obtained through a new model of education, which must abandon its unifying doctrine in order to become a critical, liberating example. Therefore, in justification of this proposal, an analysis of the educational project «Good Living schools» in Ecuador has been carried out to demonstrate that it is not an unattainable goal, but rather, well within our possibilities.