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Chinese Thoughts on Education: A Historical Perspective, Volume 1: The Ancient Period (Not yet published)

AUTHOR Suo, Yuhuan; Zhu, Yongxin
PUBLISHER Springer (01/08/2026)
PRODUCT TYPE Hardcover (Hardcover)

Description

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of ancient Chinese educational thought, spanning from its origins to its evolution across millennia. At its core, the book argues that ancient Chinese education was deeply rooted in societal, political, and cultural contexts, with a distinct focus on ethical cultivation, secular utility, and social harmony. It traces the development of educational ideas through key historical periods, from the early emphasis on the "Six Arts" (rites, music, archery, chariotry, writing, arithmetic) in the Western Zhou Dynasty to the foundational roles of Confucius (advocating "education for all without discrimination") and Xue Ji (On Education, the world's first monograph on education). It further examines the thoughts of major schools--Confucianism, Mohism, Legalism, and Taoism--and their debates on morality, governance, and human nature. Key themes include the primacy of moral education (over utilitarianism), the political function of education in maintaining social order, and pedagogical methods like heuristic teaching and individualized instruction. The book also highlights unique features such as the integration of family and state in educational goals, respect for teachers, and the interplay between education and institutions like the Imperial Examination. This volume is a landmark resource for global readers seeking to understand the intellectual foundations of Chinese education.

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Product Format
Product Details
ISBN-13: 9789819514984
ISBN-10: 9819514983
Binding: Hardback or Cased Book (Sewn)
Content Language: English
More Product Details
Page Count: 220
Carton Quantity: 0
Country of Origin: NL
Subject Information
BISAC Categories
Education | History
Education | Philosophy, Theory & Social Aspects
Education | Asia - China
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
jacket back

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of ancient Chinese educational thought, spanning from its origins to its evolution across millennia. At its core, the book argues that ancient Chinese education was deeply rooted in societal, political, and cultural contexts, with a distinct focus on ethical cultivation, secular utility, and social harmony. It traces the development of educational ideas through key historical periods, from the early emphasis on the "Six Arts" (rites, music, archery, chariotry, writing, arithmetic) in the Western Zhou Dynasty to the foundational roles of Confucius (advocating "education for all without discrimination") and Xue Ji (On Education, the world's first monograph on education). It further examines the thoughts of major schools--Confucianism, Mohism, Legalism, and Taoism--and their debates on morality, governance, and human nature. Key themes include the primacy of moral education (over utilitarianism), the political function of education in maintaining social order, and pedagogical methods like heuristic teaching and individualized instruction. The book also highlights unique features such as the integration of family and state in educational goals, respect for teachers, and the interplay between education and institutions like the Imperial Examination. This volume is a landmark resource for global readers seeking to understand the intellectual foundations of Chinese education.

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Hardcover