Xiangshu Fang

Confucian Primers in Dynastic China: Tracing Ethical Molding to Earliest Times Xiangshu Fang

Confucianism served the dynastic rulers of China well in their control of the education system as part of maintaining their reign for over 2,000 years, yet very little academic literature exists in the West on this important topic. This book examines the key ideological concepts of the canonized Confucian texts, accumulated from the 4th century BC onward, in the search of understanding the traditions of Chinese society, which appear to have always emphasized hierarchical relationships, harmony and stability rather than individualism, innovation, equity and fairness. By analyzing the ethical contents in Confucian primers produced in dynastic China, this study should help shed some light on how generations of Chinese children were cultivated to value passivity, submissiveness, acceptance of fate and maintenance of the status quo. This book provides a comprehensive resource for both undergraduates and specialists of comparative education. It will also be useful to China scholars or anyone else who shares an interest in Chinese history and philosophy.