Confucius VS Socrates in “heuristic teaching theory”.docVIP

Confucius VS Socrates in “heuristic teaching theory” 　　I. Introduction 　　The “heuristic teaching theory” is world-famous； it is one of Confucius’ greatest inventions. But many people think that it was invented by Socrates，an ancient Greek philosopher， which is no surprising to Western scholars who even can’t speak without mentioning Socrates. What is worse， in China there are many people who also hold this view. In fact， Socrates’“elicitation teaching theory” was invented far later than that of Confucius. Confucius was not only a consistent practitioner of heuristic method of teaching， but also the creator of “inspired”the name itself. Confucius was 82 years older than Socrates. Ten years after the death of Confucius， Socrates was born. Therefore， Confucius is the very founder of the “heuristic teaching”. What’s more， the connotation of heuristic teaching method created by Confucius is much richer and more profound than that of Socrates’ “midwifery”. To illustrate that， we may compare and contrast Socratic “midwifery” dialogue method and the Confucian heuristic teaching means. 　　II. Analysis of Confucian and Socratic heuristic teaching style 　　1. Confucian heuristic teaching means. Confucius valued heuristic teaching， so he tried to activate his pupils and intentionally develop their thinking ability. His“Question- and- answer”teaching proceeded in the way of talking and discussing between the teacher and the students in which Confucius purposely and naturally created a harmonious， democratic and happy teaching atmosphere. He praised students’ airing their own views freely； What harm is there in that？ said the Master once encouraged Tsang His to speak out his ambition. In class the students actively spoke straight from their heart； even talk to their hearts content regarding the teacher as their confidant because Confucius himself took the lead to state his views unreservedly. He once said to his pupils“I have no secret hidden from all of you. That is Kong Q