Exploring Respect in Democratic and Confucian Contexts and Its Implication for Teachers Education

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 8:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism in Education Roundtable Session (Table 2)

Abstract

Respect is perceived similarly in the moral sense yet differently in the civic sense in democratic and Confucian contexts. In the moral sense, respect is about recognizing human dignity. In the civic sense, respect is conceptualized as democratic appraisal respect and Confucian evaluating respect. The democratic evaluation of respect involves comprehending the ethical framework of individuals with disagreements, thus tends to be outward-oriented, confrontational, and radical. However, the Confucian evaluating respect is a civic virtue that solidifies expectations and responsibilities to encourage individuals in various positions to act accordingly. This represents an internal effort that is inward-oriented, peaceful, and harmonious. The appraisal and evaluating respect can shed light on teacher education in democratic societies.

Author

• Ling Chen, Indiana University