The Interpretation of Role Model and Its Contemporary Value Under Kant's Moral Education Thought

Abstract

Kant's moral education ideology is an important component of his entire ideological system and a brilliant gem in the history of human educational thought. Kant's moral education philosophy is mainly reflected in stimulating the intrinsic moral motivation of the educated and cultivating their kind will, advocating for the construction of moral freedom and spiritual meaning based on the principle of formality and universality as the basis for their own will. However, the current moral education in schools is still fundamentally based on material practical principles such as utilitarianism, emotion, self love, and reputation, which leads to low efficiency and formalization of moral education practice. In this sense, moral education cannot truly cultivate the sense of responsibility and obligation of the educated, let alone generate a Kantian sense of moral respect and sublimity from the depths of their hearts. The author believes that universities can change the way learners think and enhance people's moral motivation through the role of role models in moral education. By playing a role model, laying the foundation for the construction of ideas, and then making free choices, true freedom can be achieved. This article analyzes the connotation and characteristics of exemplary education in Kant's educational philosophy based on current research experience and relevant academic literature, and further explains the role of exemplary education in Kant's moral education philosophy. Finally, combining the role of role models, this paper focuses on exploring the contemporary value of the concept of role models in Kant's moral education ideas, aiming to draw on the essence of Kant's role model education and promote the reform and innovation of moral education in Chinese universities.