Confucianism, Mohism and Legalism all came into being during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. Great social changes and academic prosperity in this period provided fertile soil for the development of educational thought.
Confucian educational thought is the most representative educational thought in Confucian school, which emphasizes humanity and emotion, and attaches importance to moral education and cultural inheritance. The purpose of Confucian education is to cultivate outstanding talents such as saints and gentlemen, so that they have noble moral quality and excellent ability to serve the country and society.
Mohist educational thought is the most representative of Mohist educational thought. It emphasizes practice and action, and attaches importance to science and technology education and practical skills. The purpose of Mohist education is to cultivate talents with practical skills and make practical contributions to the country and society.
Legalist educational thought is the most representative educational thought in Legalist school, which emphasizes law and order and attaches importance to political education and legal consciousness. The purpose of legalist education is to cultivate talents with legal consciousness and political consciousness, so that they can contribute to the stability of the country and society.
The Influence of Confucianism, Mohism and Legalism on Ancient Education in China;
1. Establishment of educational goals: Confucianism, Mohism and Legalism all emphasize that the goal of education is to cultivate individuals with specific qualities and abilities to serve the society and politics. Confucianism emphasizes personal cultivation and ethics, Mohist pays attention to practical skills and moral education, and Legalist pays attention to legal awareness and political awareness. The establishment of these educational goals had an important impact on the development and evolution of China's ancient educational system.
2. Choice of educational content: Confucianism, Mohism and Legalism also have their own views on the choice of educational content. Confucianism attaches importance to classical culture and moral education, Mohist attaches importance to science and technology and thinking ability, and Legalist emphasizes legal knowledge and political skills. The choice of these educational contents not only reflects the needs and values of the society at that time, but also affects the learning content and knowledge structure of students.
3. The application of educational methods: Confucian and Mohist legalists also have their own characteristics in educational methods. Confucianism emphasizes the dignity of teachers and pays attention to words and deeds; Mohism advocates practical innovation and attaches importance to science and technology education; Legalists advocate the education of the rule of law, emphasizing norms and discipline. The application of these educational methods not only reflects the educational ideas of different schools, but also reflects the cultural background and educational environment of the society at that time.