A Confucian approach to teaching humility

Abstract

Humility as an aspect of our humanity is an important concept in both Confucian and Western philosophy. In the modern world, whether Western or not, there seems to be a growing need to promote humility, especially intellectual humility, as a fundamental virtue among students. In this paper, I first compare and contrast the Confucian and Western conceptions of humility. Then I explore a Confucian approach to teaching intellectual humility, arguing that the focus of teaching be directed towards cultivating the Confucian virtues of reflection (si) and reverence (jing).

Keywords:

• Confucianism
• Confucian virtues
• humility
• teaching of intellectual humility

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Chi-Ming Lam

Chi-Ming Lam is Associate Professor of the Department of International Education at the Education University of Hong Kong. His research interests include the philosophy of Karl Popper, critical thinking, Confucianism, and philosophy for children. His books include Childhood, Philosophy and Open Society: Implications for Education in Confucian Heritage Cultures (2013), Sociological and Philosophical Perspectives on Education in the Asia-Pacific Region (co-edited with Jae Park, 2016), and Philosophy for Children in Confucian Societies: In Theory and Practice (edited, 2020).