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Submitted by joshua on Wed, 2006-07-26 21:08. Policy & Operational Implications

For us humans, "appropriate behavior in the biosphere" is a learned adaptation -- it does not come naturally or by instinct at this stage of our evolution. And without appropriate education there will be no appropriate behavior that is learned. so perhaps the domain of life is is where the key educational policy and operational implications fit best.

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Education, On Second Thought

Submitted by Michael Ben-Eli on Sat, 2006-07-29 16:04.

I have posted an enthusiastic response re the importance of education and about the possibility of introducing a statement about it in the text.

On second thought I realized that that requirement (for education) is actually covered by the first P&O Implication in the Economic Domain which states:

"Employ a comprehensive concept of wealth related to the simultaneous enhancement of five key forms of capital: Natural, Human, Social, Manufactured and Financial"

Enhencement of human capital is achieved, first and foremost, by education.

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Education for Sustainability on third thought

Submitted by joshua on Mon, 2006-07-31 10:49.

Michael,

Your second thought is true in a very indirect sense imho,way too indirect. I do not think you can go about "employing" anything or anyone especially a "comprehensive concept of wealth" unless one learns the concept. Grasping such concepts hinges, as you know so well, on a acquiring a deep understanding of systems dynamics at multiple levels -- the key to "comprehensive" thinking.

I assert that Education For Sustainablity(EFS) must be distinctly articulated as it is an apriori condition that must be fulfilled if anyone is going to demonstrate the ability to "Employ a comprehensive concept of wealth related to the simultaneous enhancement of five key forms of capital: Natural, Human, Social, Manufactured and Financial"

None of this comes naturally and can only flow from an educated mind. It has to be learned and serious investment of time and resources is essential.

Therefore it has significant policy and operational implications that cannot be overlooked and must be made explicit or we're sunk!

Which ever domain turns out to be the most suitable place for education related Policy and Operational Implications (P, O & I), I suggest that an appropriate P, O & I be included that follows along these lines:

Curriculum at every level of study from preschool to post doctoral, (regardless of specialty area) should integrate applicable principle based 'education for sustainability' (EFS).

The core of these curricula should prepare individuals to understand systems dynamics and to be systems thinkers.

The more advanced your education the greater systems complexity you are able to comprehend and manage. The objective is that one's work in the world will always be conceived, implemented and intimately understood within the largest possible system to which it is connected.

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