Integrating Confucianism for a More Holistic Approach to Teaching Sustainability

Authors

  • Mengyuan Guo University of Toronto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56105/cjsae.v38i01.5848

Keywords:

Confucianism, education for sustainability, the five constant virtues,, the Triad of Heaven, Earth and Humanity, traditional wisdom

Abstract

This article explores the integration of Confucian principles into adult education for sustainability to foster a more holistic understanding of sustainability that bridges Eastern and Western perspectives. Drawing on the philosophical teachings of Confucianism, and their relevance to contemporary global challenges, the article highlights how Confucian concepts such as qi (气), the Triad of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, and the five constant virtues can inform and enhance sustainability education. By examining the intersections of Confucianism, adult education, and sustainability, the paper underscores the potential of Confucianism to contribute to a sustainable future through moral self-cultivation, ecological ethics, and the cultivation of a harmonious relationship with nature. The article also discusses how Confucian teachings can be integrated into the curriculum and pedagogical approaches of education for sustainability, promoting lifelong learning and the development of just and sustainable learning environments globally. Through this exploration, the article aims to offer new insights into the role of traditional wisdom in addressing contemporary sustainability challenges and advancing global education for sustainability.

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Published

2026-06-10

How to Cite

Guo, M. (2026). Integrating Confucianism for a More Holistic Approach to Teaching Sustainability. Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education, 38(01). https://doi.org/10.56105/cjsae.v38i01.5848

Issue

Vol. 38 No. 01 (2026): Adult Education and Sustainability

Section

Articles

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