Rejection Against Innovation: Educational View of Confucianism From the Perspective of Weber

• In Event: 32.083 - Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: 32.083-19 - Confucianism in Practice

Abstract

For thousands of years, Confucianism has profound influence on Chinese education. It is either a bridge for the intellectuals in the ancient society to seek for power, or a tool for the governor to manage national affairs. However, in social context of building “innovative China”, educational concept of Confucianism fails to meet requirements of cultivating innovative people. This article suggests that 1. Combination of policy and knowledge strips people from the interest of knowledge. 2. Morality restricted knowledge production. 3. Affected by the knowledge-based view of Confucianism integrity, rejection against professional knowledge hindered the innovation of knowledge. In all, acquisition of sensorial enjoyment is thought a more direct and effective temptation compared with the innovation dwelling in spiritual world.

Author

• Yuting Lan, University of Wisconsin - Madison