Confucius, the Analects and Western Education

Description

Frank Flanagan explores the significance for western liberal/democratic educational systems of the philosophy of Confucius. He presents the central elements of Confucius' approach to education and government through an account of the biography of Confucius, an analysis of the Analects, and an evaluation of the Confucian tradition through selected contemporary critical accounts. He assesses the value that the Confucian tradition has for the educational systems of advanced industrialised countries in the 21st century.

Frank M. Flanagan has recently retired from the Education Department at Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, Ireland. He currently teaches at the School of Art and Design, Limerick Institute of Technology, Ireland.

'Frank Flanagan brings many years' experience as a scholar and teacher to this fascinating volume. Flanagan succeeds in alerting us both to the novelty and distinctiveness of the thought of Confucius and also to the points of similarity between this thought and a Western sensibility. Very accessible and clearly written, Confucius, the Analects and Western Education combines erudition with lively practical insights.' Kevin Williams, Senior Lecturer at the Mater Dei Institute of Education, Dublin City University, Ireland 'A clear and thoughtful introduction to Confucian thought, Frank Flanagan's Confucius, the Analects and Western Education is long overdue. Emphasizing the conservative priorities of family and ethics over competing values of justice, law, and even truth, Confucius has represented for millennia a way of thinking, learning, and living that we do well to understand. Here's a place to start.' Keith W. Schlegel, Professor Emeritus of English, Frostburg State University, Maryland, USA 'This is a work of substantial scholarship which sheds light on many of the parallels that exist between the educational philosophies of Ancient China and contemporary Western philosophy. It is well written, clear, detailed, well-researched and well-referenced and provides a source for many future enquiries as it covers many of the perennial issues in educational systems and discourses. It deals with issues of practical pedagogy and points to many cognate questions which continue to attract the attention of contemporary educators. It should grace the shelves of anybody interested in finding a window into the riches of oriental educational thought and practice.' Patrick Wall, Senior Lecturer in Education, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland 'Confucianism is enjoying a revival in Chinese moral education. By comparison with Western culture, this book offers important and invaluable insights into the philosophy underlying Chinese culture, as China emerges as the superpower of the 21st century.' Monica J. Taylor, President of the Asia Pacific Network for Moral Education 'Dr. Flanagan's book provides a unique introduction to the life and thought of China's greatest philosopher. It is a timely contribution to our understanding of another culture and an unfamiliar way of thinking. At the same time, by making judicious connections with more familiar texts and ideas, Flanagan makes the Analects accessible and comprehensible for the non-specialist reader.' Kieran Meagher, Course Leader for Art & Design Teacher Education, Limerick School of Art & Design, Ireland 'Written by a specialist of education and teaching, Confucius, the Analects and Western Education is an illuminating study. Presented as an introduction to the life and work of Confucius, the work sheds light on the conjunctions and disjunctions between Eastern and Western thoughts in terms of ethics, politics, family, language, ritual and pedagogy. Focusing on the relation between the individual and communal life in the search for the Way, Frank Flanagan's book is a welcome reminder of moral priorities and universal values. While attempting to achieve a holistic understanding of the Confucian tradition, his study also points to the relevance of Confucius' philosophy and method of living to contemporary life and education.' Pascale Amiot, Lecturer in Anglophone Literature and Education, University of Perpignan Via Domitia, France