A Geoethics-Informed Flow Process for Applying the Relational Geoscientific Pragmatism (RGP) Framework

Geoethics examines the ethical, cultural, and social dimensions of human interaction with the Earth system, promoting responsible and sustainable stewardship (Peppoloni and Di Capua, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-98044-3). To address escalating global socio-ecological crises, the Relational Geoscientific Pragmatism (RGP) framework is proposed (Peppoloni and Di Capua, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-03754-1_2). RGP advocates context-sensitive, pragmatic solutions that harmonize scientific understanding with ethical principles and societal values, drawing inspiration from Ecological Humanism, a worldview recognizing human-nature interdependence and promoting progress that respects both human needs and ecosystem limits.

RGP is a structured, values-driven pathway designed to respond responsibly to geoethical challenges. Rather than prescribing rigid methods, it operationalizes universal geoethical principles and shared values in ways sensitive to local contexts. By integrating geosciences with social and environmental responsibility, RGP provides guidance for navigating complex practical challenges while ensuring ecological integrity and the well-being of present and future generations.

The RGP framework can be applied through a five-phase flow process that consistently integrates scientific rigor and ethical considerations into decision-making:

• Phase I: Foundation & Analysis (Geoscience). This phase establishes essential geoscientific and contextual understanding of the challenge. It involves gathering objective, verifiable, and up-to-date data, applying rigorous analysis, and exercising professional judgment. The goal is informed, evidence-based decision-making on issues such as resource management or disaster risk reduction.
• Phase II: Integration & Scope (Interdisciplinarity). Environmental challenges are inherently complex, requiring holistic approaches. This phase integrates knowledge from geosciences, social sciences, economics, law, and philosophy. Emphasis is placed on relationality between disciplines, structuring interdisciplinary collaboration to address specific geoethical challenges effectively.
• Phase III: Values & Stakeholders (Relationality). This phase centers social justice by identifying stakeholders, particularly marginalized communities, and clarifying relevant universal principles (dignity, freedom, responsibility) alongside aspirational principles (awareness, justice, respect). Relationality extends to future generations and non-human realms, promoting intergenerational and environmental responsibility.
• Phase IV: Deliberation & Scenario (Pragmatism). Action-oriented and solution-focused, this phase critically analyzes ethical dilemmas in human-environment interactions. It develops potential future scenarios, evaluating outcomes through the lenses of sustainability, equity, and environmental integrity.
• Phase V: Action & Evaluation (Pragmatism). The final phase ensures participatory, transparent implementation. Scientists, policymakers, and communities collaboratively assess solutions for technical feasibility and societal alignment, balancing ecological integrity with social well-being.

In conclusion, the RGP flow process provides decision-makers with a systematic methodology for addressing contemporary geoethical challenges. By integrating scientific rigor, ethical reflection, and stakeholder engagement, it fosters conscious, informed, and responsible planetary citizenship.