A COMPARISON THE MORAL EDUCATION THOUGHTS OF JOHN DEWEY AND CONFUCIUS’: LESSONS FOR VIETNAM’S MORAL EDUCATION TODAY

Bùi Xuân Dũng

Tóm tắt

Abstract: The thoughts of moral education of John Dewey and Confucius originate from different cultures and historical periods. Dewey, representing Western pragmatism, emphasized experiential learning to foster independent thinking and social contribution in democratic societies. His "learning by doing" approach encouraged students to engage in practical activities for moral education. In contrast, Confucius, a key figure in Confucianism, advocated for moral self-cultivation through values like "ren" (benevolence) and "li" (ritual propriety), stressing self-reflection, exemplary learning, and adherence to societal norms to build a harmonious society. Despite their differences, both thinkers agreed that moral education is integral to overall education. Combining Dewey’s pragmatic philosophy with Confucian ethical foundations could create a holistic educational system that balances individual freedom with social responsibility.

Keywords: John Dewey, Confucius, moral education, schools, philosophy of education.