ERIC Number: EJ1135189
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Feb
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0309-8249
EISSN: N/A
A Confucian Conception of Critical Thinking
Tan, Charlene
Journal of Philosophy of Education, v51 n1 p331-343 Feb 2017
This article proposes a Confucian conception of critical thinking by focussing on the notion of judgement. It is argued that the attainment of the Confucian ideal of "li" (normative behaviours) necessitates and promotes critical thinking in at least two ways. First, the observance of "li" requires the individual to exercise judgement by applying the generalised knowledge, norms and procedures in "dao" (Way) to particular action-situations insightfully and flexibly. Secondly, the individual's judgement, to qualify as an instance of "li", should be underpinned and motivated by the ethical quality of "ren" (humanity) that testifies to one's moral character. Two educational implications arising from a Confucian conception of critical thinking are highlighted. First, the Confucian interpretation presented in this essay challenges the perception that critical thinking is absent from or culturally incompatible with Chinese traditions. Secondly, such a conception advocates viewing critical thinking as a form of judgement that is action-oriented, spiritual, ethical and interpersonal.
Descriptors: Confucianism, Critical Thinking, Ethics, Decision Making, Knowledge Level, Moral Values, Personality, Educational Philosophy, Cultural Differences, Asian Culture, Interpersonal Relationship, Teaching Methods
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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