Dis-ability, Differently Abled and Sentient Beings: Transformative Regeneration: The Need for Public Education on Vulnerability and Interbeing

Abstract

AbstractPublic policy is framed in terms of the social contract based on extending rights to people of voting age. Dis-ability policy (at best) is framed in terms of the veil of ignorance, an awareness of intersectional disadvantage and its impact on welfare and being voiceless. However this paper makes the case that dis-Ability needs to be seen as a form of solidarity with differently abled sentient beings and that the boundaries between human beings and other living systems needs to be re-thought. A case is made for a recognition of concepts such as ‘natural inclusion’ and our interbeing and that focusing on ways to re-generate living systems ought to be mainstreamed in educational policies.Judith Butler’s plea for a recognition of our shared vulnerability is highlighted as a departure point for policy. She stresses that recognition of shared vulnerability is as important as independence and individualism. Both aspects are relevant to a re-generative approach to social education, circular economics and sustainable environments. Interbeing is a concept increasingly recognised across the social sciences and natural sciences and holds in common some of the key concepts of Buddhism and many other religions. The paper proposes that solidarity with those who currently fall outside the mantle of protection by virtue of their age, gender, level of ability or species needs to be addressed.KeywordsTransformativeRegenerationInterbeingVulnerabilityExtending social and environmental justiceRightsSentient beings