Epistemic Justice, Mindfulness, and the Environmental Humanities: Reflections on Teaching

Epistemic Justice, Mindfulness, and the Environmental Humanities explores how contemplative pedagogies and mindfulness can be used in the classroom to address epistemic and environmental injustice. It advocates for mindfulness practices that affirm multiple epistemologies and cultural traditions and discusses what mindfulness practices have to offer to the pursuit of a culturally relevant pedagogy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Epistemic Justice, Mindfulness, and the Environmental Humanities delve into the transformative potential of contemplative pedagogies and mindfulness in addressing epistemic and environmental injustice. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in contemplative pedagogies in higher education, drawing attention from various fields such as environmental sciences, environmental humanities, and sustainability studies. Teachers and writers have showcased how mindfulness practices can be instrumental in promoting anti-oppression and anti-racist efforts, both within and outside the classroom. However, it is important to note that not all forms of contemplative pedagogy are conducive to dismantling white supremacy in higher education. Simply adopting mindfulness practices in the classroom is insufficient to challenge and dismantle the systemic inequalities perpetuated by colonialism.

Epistemic Justice, Mindfulness, and the Environmental Humanities advocates for mindfulness practices that affirm diverse epistemologies and cultural traditions. Written for educators in the environmental humanities and related disciplines, the chapters critically examine the Western adoption of mindfulness practices and propose anti-colonial and anti-oppressive methods for integrating mindfulness into the classroom. The chapters also explore the unique contributions of mindfulness practices to the pursuit of culturally relevant pedagogy.

This highly applied and practical text offers valuable insights for educators working in the environmental humanities and across liberal arts disciplines. It provides a comprehensive framework for integrating mindfulness into teaching and learning, promoting epistemic justice, and fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between human beings and the natural world. By embracing contemplative pedagogies and mindfulness, educators can create inclusive and equitable learning environments that empower students to become agents of change in addressing environmental and social injustices.

Weight: 294g
Dimension: 154 x 233 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367479626