The Study Of Confucian Ethics Education In Singapore

The rapid economic growth in our country over the last few decades has intensified the needs to strengthen the moral and ethical codes of the people and their inner self. We have to look deep into our rich cultural heritage to provide us the abundant resources. Confucian ethics are the core and the creme de la creme of the Chinese culture. They are crucial in the fine-tuning of the inter-personal moral relationships, guiding our daily activities, stabilizing social order and enhancing the peace and stability of the country. Through Confucian ethics education, Confucianism has revived the moral and ethical values of the Singapore society and effectively managed the moral crisis. The study of the development tracks in Singapore's Confucianism education is undoubtedly meaningful to the research of moral and civic education in China and the subsequent revival of our traditional culture. This article believes that the Confucian ethics education in Singapore has experienced two peak development periods, also known as the two revitalization movements of the Confucian ethics. Though the two movements differ in their objectives, content and results due to the differences in environment and era, they however shared many similarities. This article attempt to research on the ethics education and its contemporary meanings during the first revitalization, and make the second revitalization as the object for examination and verification. By probing the rationale and importance of the government's devotion in initiating and propagating Confucian ethics to foster the Singaporeans' civic and moral mindedness, I can summarize the experiences and revelations to draw lessons for China.This article consists of 5 parts.Introduction portion: To elaborate the purpose of choosing this topic and the contemporary research;define the relative concepts;elaborate on the research methodology and approach.Part One: Analyze the origin and development of Singapore's Confucian ethics. Discuss the existence of Confucian ethics in Singapore from two aspects: firstly the background and conditions and secondly, the spread and development. These discussions lead to the conclusion of the inevitability and feasibility of the Confucian ethics revitalization in Singapore.Part Two: Analyze the ethics education during the two revitalization movements for Confucian ethics in Singapore. From the respective backgrounds, processes, content of the Confucian ethics education and unique characteristics of the two movements, we analyze, compare and contrast the contemporary meaning of Confucian ethics education. Subsequently we conclude and summarize the experiences and shortcomings of the movements.Part Three: Study the effects and impact of Confucian ethics education in Singapore towards its civic and moral education. This portion of the article attempts to analyze the resultant influence of Confucian ethics education on civic and moral education from the angles of the two Confucian revitalization movements and the common shared perspective.Part Four: The inspirations derived from contemporary Singapore Confucian ethics education towards the civic and moral education in China. By analyzing the strengths and uniqueness of the Singapore system, recommendations and after thoughts are contributed to the reformation of the Chinese civic and moral education. Based on the fundamental issues raised in the previous parts, the recommendations covers several areas including the revival of the traditional culture, strengthening of civic and moral upbringing etc.