Confucius and Plato on Education: A Comparative Approach

Abstract Both Confucius and Plato emphasize the importance of education in the development of the individual and the state. They recognize that education empowers individuals with knowledge and moral values and, thus, contributes to the human flourishing and better governance. Therefore, education is a life-long process and the way to change people for the better. To that end, Confucius and Plato acknowledge the vital role of moral character, personal excellence, and love of wisdom. Thus, education combines the aim for the moral development of the individuals and the participation of the best among them in politics as it is revealed through the figures of the sage-king ( sheng ren , 圣人) and the philosopher-king. The two wise and ideal rulers, as they are depicted in the Analects and the Republic , represent the highest level one can achieve. They are distinguished by their knowledge, moral character, and political power, and confirm that education is inextricably connected with ethics and politics. This paper discusses the different stages of the educational process as well as the teaching lessons and methods of Confucius and Plato, and underlines their similarities and differences. Their pedagogic theories influenced the educational development in China and Europe and still impact modern education.