Introduction

Confucianism, by and large, refers to the philosophy that comes from the teachings of Confucius in China, although its influence has now spread beyond the national borders. Historical documents concerning the spread of Confucianism indicate that Confucian doctrines and practices were introduced to other East Asian countries as early as the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC–9 AD). With regard to the introduction of Confucianism to the West, it is commonly attributed to Matteo Ricci, an Italian Jesuit who arrived in China in the early 1580s. Today, many scholars, whether from East Asia or the West, are actively involved in Confucian studies, introducing, examining, and developing the Confucian tradition. These scholars have endeavoured to establish a strong connection between the past and the present and a productive interaction between the Chinese tradition and other great traditions of the world. The purpose of this book is to contribute to the theory and practice of Philosophy for Children, with a special emphasis on theoretical and practical issues confronting researchers and practitioners working in contexts that are strongly influenced by Confucian values and norms. It incorporates writings by scholars from different Confucian societies, including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan.