East∼West Epistemological Convergence of Humanism in Language, Identity, and Education: Confucius∼Makiguchi∼Dewey

Abstract

In this article, the author explores an East∼West epistemological convergence of humanism illuminated in three main themes in the works of Confucius (551–479 BC), Makiguchi Tsunesaburo (1871–1944), and John Dewey (1859–1952): human-nature interconnection, associated self-cultivation, and value creation. She contends that these thinkers’ shared perspectives, which transcend language, culture, and history create an “East∼West epistemological convergence of humanism.” The author considers this convergence of humanism as “the common heritage of humanity” (UNESCO, 2009) that should become the epistemological foundation that influences the ideologies of identity, language, and culture in 21st century educational policy, practice, and research.

Keywords:

• East∼West epistemology
• humanism
• human–nature interconnection
• associated self-cultivation
• value creation

Notes

¹I deliberately use the symbol ∼ rather than - to convey a sense of fluidity, constancy, and “in-between-ness.”