Chet A. Bowers, Arne Naess, and Outdoor Life (friluftsliv) Education: Re-Viewing and Deepening an Eco-Cultural Approach

• In Event: Ecologically Intersecting Curriculum Studies With EE Research: 21st Century Implications, Inspirations, and C. A. Bowers

Abstract

In this paper, Haukeland focuses on the advancement of outdoor life (friluftsliv) education by comparing Bowers’ work with that of Norwegian philosopher and founder of the deep ecology movement, Arne Naess. Making the case that both Bowers and Naess (1989, 1995) were devoted to finding solutions to the ongoing ecological degradation of natural systems, Haukeland further inquiries into how each scholar uses key terms, including eco-culturalism, self-realization, and cultural sustainability can inform educational practice. In particular, Haukeland further situates Bowers and Naess’ ideas within friluftsliv, as outdoor or “open air” education in Norway (Dahle, 1995). The author also cautions taking for granted that friluftsliv always contributes to sustainability. Given that friluftsliv belongs to modern life, it is necessary that environmental educators consider whether and how such practices contribute to advancing an ecocultural approach or, unintentionally advance industrial and information-based societies.

Author

• Per Ingvar Haukeland