Research Article Open Access

CONFUCIANISM AND CHARACTER EDUCATION: A CHINESE VIEW

Mei-Ju Chou1, Yi-Chan Tu2 and Kai-Ping Huang3
  • 1 Taiwan Shoufu University, Taiwan
  • 2 National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, Taiwan
  • 3 University of Technology, Australia

Abstract

The principles of Confucianism are founded on humaneness, righteousness, propriety, knowledge, integrity and filial piety. These principles have found their way to the Chinese culture since the days of Confucius. The study reviews the concept of Confucianism and its influence in Chinese context. Also, the relationship between Confucianism and character education is discussed. Character education is based on the transmission of values and within Chinese society and most of these values have been founded on the teachings of Confucius. Filial piety has strongly been conditioned within the principles of Confucianism and the respect of one’s elders. Character education has been promoted by teachers and elders who focus on the transmission of values from one generation to the next. Character education is supported by the theories and teachings set out by Confucius, mostly in relation to humaneness and integrity, as well as collectivism. The individualistic trends are discarded within character education, as the welfare of the society and the collective is prioritized.

Journal of Social Sciences
Volume 9 No. 2, 2013, 59-66

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/jssp.2013.59.66

Submitted On: 16 April 2013 Published On: 20 August 2013

How to Cite: Chou, M., Tu, Y. & Huang, K. (2013). CONFUCIANISM AND CHARACTER EDUCATION: A CHINESE VIEW. Journal of Social Sciences, 9(2), 59-66. https://doi.org/10.3844/jssp.2013.59.66

  • 5,318 Views
  • 9,993 Downloads
  • 13 Citations

Download

Keywords

  • Confucianism
  • Character Education
  • China
  • Chinese Society