On 11 September 2025, the Philosophy Department of the Saint Louis University’s (SLU) School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) conducted a special ecological lecture with the seminarians of Saint Francis Xavier Seminary as part of their Philosophical Enrichment Extension Program (PEEP).
The initiative aimed to welcome Louisian philosophizing beyond the confines of the classroom and provide enriching experiences and foundational principles in the intellectual formation of seminary students. Further, the activity promoted sharing insights with others, carrying knowledge into one’s life, and embracing continuous mutual guidance for holistic growth. Specifically, Oscar Sison, Jr., PhD, a faculty member of the Department of Philosophy, shared his expertise on the core principles of Val Plumwood’s Ecofeminist Philosophy. Included were discussions on Plumwood’s critique of rational mastery over nature, her call for an ethics that embraces the entirety of ecosystems, and the imperative for mutual recognition between humanity and the natural world.
The talk provided insights that transcended conventional ecological discourse, profoundly touching the hearts and minds of the seminarians by nurturing their ecological sensitivity and rationality. Ultimately, it fostered a deeper connection with nature, one which moves past purely instrumental and utilitarian perspectives. This was made possible with the eager participation of Fr. Mark Nabe, Rector of Saint Francis Xavier Seminary, for facilitating the partnership between the PEEP and the seminary community, and Bro. Bingham Tiw-an, Prefect of Disciple of Saint Francis Xavier Seminary, for his kind assistance and hospitality.
Moreover, this adds to the institution’s resolve towards being a pillar of Compassion in the community by advocating for environmental consciousness and reminding that humanity extends beyond fellow persons. Rather, it echoes an interdependence of life on Earth, and man’s role as its steward. On Christian Spirit, the Philosophy Department worked with the Saint Francis Xavier Seminary to ensure that the students’ formation would be grounded in sincerity, ecological responsibility, and a reverence for God’s creation.
Furthermore, the lecture highlights the enduring relevance of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, with particular focus on Goals 4 (Quality Education), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 13 (Climate Action), and 17 (Partnership for the Goals), aligning philosophical inquiry with global efforts toward preservation and justice. (Article by Nicole Louise Dyquiangco, NEOLOPHIS | Photos by NEOLOPHIS)
