The Useless Tree: Confucius and Education Reform in Korea (via the Western Confucian)

There are many models of "liberal education" -- with which version of liberal education in the West is this Confucian ideal most aligned? What is the goal of a liberal education: practical, speculative, or both? It could be said that Confucianism advocates a "humane education," centered on ren. As presented by Mr. Crane, Confucian liberal education has much in common with the program put forth by Aristotle in the Politics. It has less in common with the medieval ideal, which was centered not on moral development as much as intellectual development. The liberal arts were the tools needed to prepare the intellect for further studies in philosophy and theology. (A foundation in the arts were also required for the professional degrees: medicine, law, etc.)

In the Renaissance we see a return to an ideal of a liberal education as being practical? For those, especially the sons of the elites, aspiring to be statesmen and so on? It would seem for Aristotle at least, the state would be involved in the moral component of education. However, there was a speculative end to his program as well, since a few would be prepared for the study of philosophy. I do not think the speculative component was as pronounced, if it was present, in Renaissance ideals, but I should check Vives and others. (Even though Jesuit formation and university education included philosophy and theology, I believe the apex of the curriculum was not metaphysics or speculative theology, but moral theology. But maybe the source I read was incorrect.)

As for Confucian liberal education, there has historically been a debate within Confucianism as to what moral training consists in -- how does the junzi, the gentleman, become virtuous? Through practice, meditation, or study? And how broadly should li, rites, be understood? While Aristotle does lay out a program of education, it should not be understood as being separate from the acquisition and practice of virtue. With some members of the Confucian school, this integration is not so clear. (But I do think that it is present in the Analects.)

While it would be advantageous to restore some sort of humane learning to East Asian society, I do not think it is going to happen in time to prevent social breakdown in the event of severe economic collapse.

Begun on April 26.