The Chinese Continuum of Self-Cultivation: A Confucian-Deweyan Learning Model

The Chinese Continuum of Self-Cultivation explores a transcultural philosophy of education based on the Neo-Confucian concept of the universal nature of self in the co-creative process of self-cultivation (xiushen ). This ancient approach to knowledge synthesis and consolidation informs and enhances the educational theories of John Dewey (18591952), creating a cross-cultural educational template for the 21st century. The Confucian-Deweyan educational model explored is not only a transcultural educational approach in the changing face of globality, but also a means to encourage and foster humanitarian and communitarian values in the learner. That is, a wholistic approach to education whereby the individual considers the other human and natural tantamount to the self in an increasingly shifting world. This concept is in direct opposition to the anthropocentric approach of egoistic individualism currently prevalent in post-modern societies. The educational model developed fosters cooperation, rather than competition; community over individualism, enabling non-European indigenous values and problem-solving to co-exist in balance with Western neo-liberal forces in the global arena. The model of education developed herein enables the phenomenon of glocalization (the overlap of global and local issues) to be pragmatically addressed in cross-cultural contexts, promoting economic, environmental, cultural and human sustainability for the future. This work will appeal to comparative philosophers, educationalists, and designers of pre-tertiary curricula. See more