Confucius's philosophy of moderate education

Author: Yu Jianfu
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-07-01
Features: The concept of the Mean, a topic of considerable research difficulty in Chinese academia over the millennia, especially in the last century, has been subject to diverse interpretations and mixed evaluations. Guided by the historical materialism and dialectical materialism of classical Marxist thinkers, the author examines the origins and essence of Confucius's philosophy of the Mean with a rigorous and scientific approach. Adhering to the principle of "judging a person by their era," the author contextualizes Confucius's advocacy of the Mean within the backdrop of specific social transformations during the Spring and Autumn Period. Starting from Confucius's political and social ideal of the "Great Unity," the author explores his philosophical concept of "unity between heaven and man," the life realm of "acting according to one's desires without transgressing the norms," and the personal model of "inner sage and outer king." Furthermore, the author systematically investigates Confucius's educational philosophy of the Mean, including moral education centered on cultivating the virtue of the Mean, intellectual education emphasizing moderate reasoning, and a harmonious aesthetic education. The book analyzes the profound influence of Confucius's educational philosophy of the Mean on later governance strategies, cultural and educational traditions, and the character of the Chinese nation. Against a broad theoretical and historical backdrop, the author examines the origins and relationships of the Mean, elaborates on the theoretical significance and practical value of the educational philosophy of the Mean, and objectively analyzes its theoretical shortcomings and limitations of its time. Additionally, the author reveals the essence of the harmonious values and demonstrates the future value of the educational philosophy of harmony. The book is rich in cited materials, precise and concise in language, well-structured, and logically rigorous. It begins with tracing origins and interpreting meanings, followed by systematic analysis and rational scrutiny, and concludes with discussions on inheritance, adaptation, and innovation, forming a complete system. On important and significant academic issues such as the examination of the origins and essence of the Mean, the socio-historical analysis of the formation of the Mean, the structural analysis of the educational philosophy of the Mean, the influence of the educational philosophy of the Mean on the formation of the Chinese character, the temporal limitations, modern relevance, and transformation of the Mean, as well as the future value of the educational philosophy of harmony, the author presents well-supported and original academic insights, building upon the research of predecessors in similar fields. The publication of this book has inspired more scholars, particularly young and middle-aged ones, to delve deeper into Confucian educational philosophy and conduct extensive research on various topics of traditional Chinese educational philosophy, collectively constructing an educational philosophy with Chinese characteristics, style, and spirit. China, a civilization with a history of over five thousand years, possesses a fine educational tradition and abundant educational experience. The book "Confucius's Educational Philosophy of the Mean" (authored by Yu Jianfu and published by the Central) elaborates on the core of traditional Chinese education—the Mean—and provides a detailed introduction to the essence of Confucian thought, allowing readers to appreciate the rigorous scholarship and profound theoretical insights of this great educator. It serves as an excellent guide for elevating the moral cultivation of educators.