Bahá'í Writings, Philosophy and Environment

Abstract: Drawing on decades of high school teaching experience using philosophical inquiry as a teaching tool, this paper explores how philosophy, which Shoghi Effendi describes as a “sound branch of learning,” contributes to a better inner environment thereby improving the external environment. Among other things, philosophy encourages thoughtfulness, reflection, self‐evaluation, self‐critique, objectivity, understanding and empathy for new viewpoints, clear questioning and analysis: it helps us reach our maximum potential as “rational souls” (SAQ, 151). It also improves our social environment by fostering mental habits that encourage more thoughtful dialogue and action. [Abstract taken from conference program.]