The Comparative Studies Between Confucius And Socrates On Moral Education

Confucius and Socrates are the excellent thinkers in the East-West axial age. Their ethical thoughts are the source of moral education between the east and the west, then extends far-reaching impact on their later generation. Based on the background of economic and cultural globalization, especially in the times when eastern and western moral education collide fiercely and interact with each other, comparing the differences and similarities between Confucius and Socrates is very important. It is with theoretical and practical significance for us to understand the traditional culture between east and west, as well as to improve and complete the moral education in China by drawing from the positive aspects in the eastern and western moral educations.This paper adopts methods of literature research and comparative analysis. It is through their works and study materials from their successors can we compose, interpret and compare the moral concept of education between Confucius andSocrates. On the basis , investigating the enlightment of universities moral education by drawing from Confucius and Socrates'thoughts on moral education.The first part, namely the introduction, mainly discusses about posing questions and the significance of selecting topics, the relevant research status quo within this subject, the interpretation of moral education concept, as well as the main content and method of the research.The second part talks about the moral education of Confucius and Socrates, specifically from three aspects including the content, objectives, methods of moral education.The third part mainly makes an analysis for the common aspects between Confucius and Socrates in terms of moral education. The similarities are discussed in the following five aspects, their common concept,principles,direction,moral personality and influences. The fourth part centers on comparing the differences of Confucius and Socrates'moral education from four areas such as different theory basis,moral education process,value orientation and educational methods.The fifth part introduces the enlightment by drawing from Confucius and Socrates'thoughts on moral education. Firstly, top priority should be put on the moral education in colleges and universities, in order to raise students'moral intergrity and form a good habit of their moral behavior. Secondly, attention should be paid on fostering students'self-education competence, developing their moral thinking ability and positive sense of self-reflection. Thirdly, teacher's role should be emphasized in the process of moral education. The ethics teachers not only need to possess high professional spirit and superb teaching skills but also can set a good example for their students. Fourthly, jen-love education should be strengthened and moral education content be improved in colleges and universities. Fifth, a flexible moral education form can be created to avoid preach talking by applying moral education to various activites.