Homo Curans – Affirming Care for Sustainability and Human Flourishing
Ariel Macaspac Hernandez
Homo Curans – Affirming Care for Sustainability and Human Flourishing
Chapter in Edited Volume | 2026
Abstract
In the context of an increasingly interconnected polycrisis—encompassing climate change, biodiversity loss, social inequality, and geopolitical tensions—this paper introduces a transformative vision for sustainability centered on the concept of care. By redefining human flourishing through the lens of Homo Curans, the caring human, the paper argues for integrating multidimensional care into sustainability pathways. This approach emphasizes care for oneself, others, society, the environment, and transcendental aspects of life as essential components for achieving sustainable and equitable futures.
This paper outlines practical pathways for embedding care within social institutions such as politics, economics, technology, education, and religion. By challenging dominance-based values and fostering a shift towards partnership, equity, and cooperation, it highlights the potential of care to reshape these institutions and address the root causes of the polycrisis. The Homo Curans framework provides a comprehensive and interconnected approach to sustainability, emphasizing proactive stewardship, long-term thinking, and inclusive decision-making.
This redefined vision of human flourishing calls for further debate and research on the role of care in sustainability transformations. It underscores the need for ethical boundaries and value systems that support holistic development, aiming to create a resilient, just, and sustainable future for all. By placing care at the heart of sustainability efforts, the paper offers a compelling alternative pathway that prioritizes well-being and interconnectedness, fostering resilience and adaptability in the face of global challenges.
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Organiser: Leuphana University of Lüneburg
PD Dr. Dr. Ariel Macaspac Hernandez (Speaker)
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Reimagining development beyond the SDGs, this chapter advances human flourishing as an integrated systems approach linking material and non-material well-being through localized indicators and multi-level governance.
As 2030 nears, the SDGs fall short. This article calls for a shift beyond material metrics, integrating mental, cultural, and community well-being into global development. Can we redefine progress? Discover a bold roadmap for a future where humanity truly thrives.
Climate change is clearly affecting the Philippines. Whether it can transform resilience into successful climate adaptation will determine what the future holds. Resilience provides an opportunity to protect its citizens & transform its society into a model of sustainability, equity, and innovation.
We address critiques of integrated assessment models, advocating for robust interdisciplinary integration and clearer methodological transparency. Our recommendations stem from expert interviews from 2019 to 2024, emphasizing the need for comprehensive social science engagement.
Organiser: Leuphana University of Lüneburg
PD Dr. Dr. Ariel Macaspac Hernandez (Speaker)
Keynote at Leuphana PhD Opening Days: from Omelas to Ubuntu Futures. With 80+ doctoral researchers, we turned a keynote into a living lab asking what futures we accept, refuse, and commit to. A powerful start to Embracing Transformation.
Germany needs nurses from abroad but must become a more attractive destination to retain them. Examined are the various reasons why fragmented recruitment fails and how the cementing of ethical Germany–Philippines partnerships can help build sustainable workforce governance.
Reimagining development beyond the SDGs, this chapter advances human flourishing as an integrated systems approach linking material and non-material well-being through localized indicators and multi-level governance.
As 2030 nears, the SDGs fall short. This article calls for a shift beyond material metrics, integrating mental, cultural, and community well-being into global development. Can we redefine progress? Discover a bold roadmap for a future where humanity truly thrives.
Climate change is clearly affecting the Philippines. Whether it can transform resilience into successful climate adaptation will determine what the future holds. Resilience provides an opportunity to protect its citizens & transform its society into a model of sustainability, equity, and innovation.
We address critiques of integrated assessment models, advocating for robust interdisciplinary integration and clearer methodological transparency. Our recommendations stem from expert interviews from 2019 to 2024, emphasizing the need for comprehensive social science engagement.
