The Humility/Confidence Paradox in Education

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 1:45pm
  In Poster Session: Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism in Education

Abstract

Some people lack self-confidence. They are too humble or insecure, which hinders them from making the most of their potential. On the other hand, some people are too confident. They lack the humility needed to understand their limitations and learn from others. But how do we know when someone has sufficient self-confidence and humility, or the right balance between the two? That humility and self-confidence both seem vital to constructive engagement with others, yet also seem to be directly opposed, is examined here as the ‘humility/confidence paradox’. This paradox raises the question of why and how to value humility and/or confidence in ourselves or in others in schools and other settings. This project will develop and defend a novel, practice-oriented account of humility and self-confidence and their value in education and other social settings. I further articulate humility and confidence as intertwined dispositions toward personal and social practices rather than as virtues involving belief or approaches to belief. Finally, I consider its significance in education and society.

Author

• Liz Jackson, University of Hong Kong