The role of confucianism in education of the Nguyen dynasty in Vietnam in the first half of the 19th century

Abstract

Education in the Nguyen dynasty is an expression of the general cultural function of Confucian doctrine. The Three Character Classic says: "Jade that has not been polished cannot be used. Person that has not studied cannot know righteousness". Confucius was the first private educator in ancient China to open a school with the spirit of "teaching tirelessly" in order to train knowledgeable and pioneering people to establish social order and build the ideal social model. As a result, the education system has been increasingly improved, and the rather strict academic examinations have successfully selected many talents worthy of being "the vitality of the nation". This article focuses on discussing the role of Confucianism in moral education and academic education which has both theoretical and practical significance in today's context, and thus requires to be shed light on in the new historical conditions contribute to the cause of education in Vietnam.