Rethinking the notion of the high-performing education system: A Daoist response

Tan, Charlene

doi:10.1177/1745499920983694

Cited by 8 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 51 publications

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“…The instructional objective is to inculcate perspective-taking, empathic concern and open-mindedness in everyday life. In a nutshell, a Daoist orientation to future-readiness advocates a more balanced and holistic approach to education as compared to one that revolves around the acquisition of technical skills (Tan, 2021).…”

Section: Implications For Future-ready Educationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Future-readiness and its educational implications: A Daoist interpretation

Tan

2024

Research in Comparative and International Education

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This paper explores the extent to which our past and present knowledge can help us to be future-ready, and suggests a theoretical basis for future-readiness. Drawing on the thought of the Daoist philosopher Zhuangzi, it is argued that future-readiness is primarily about having an open and flexible mindset where one responds appropriately to emerging realities and challenges. Two salient key Daoist principles that underpin the notion of future-readiness are ‘walking two roads’ ( liang xing) and ‘rightness of the present this’ ( yin shi). The former is about going beyond shi/fei distinctions – ‘this/right’ versus ‘not-this/wrong’ – to consider and harmonise alternatives to achieve the best possible outcome. The principle of ‘rightness of the present this’ refers to making the most appropriate response based on situational constraints. The major educational implications are a rejection of limiting teaching and learning to skills-centred education; an emphasis on unlearning; and the promotion of self-transformative education.

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Section: Implications For Future-ready Educationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Future-readiness and its educational implications: A Daoist interpretation

Tan

2024

Research in Comparative and International Education

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“…But as clarified by Ames and Hall (2003) in their translation of Daodejing , wuwei does not mean or imply inactivity or passivity. Instead, wuwei – and by extension, Daoist leadership – is about being non-interfering, inspiring, liberating and nurturing (Tan, 2020, 2021d). The next section shall give more details and offer additional insights on Daoist leadership by analysing passages in Daodejing .…”

Section: A Literature Review Of Daoist Leadershipmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Daoist understanding of mindful leadership

Tan

2023

Leadership

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This article seeks to contribute to the discourse on mindful leadership by drawing on Daoist philosophy as recorded in the Daodejing (Book on the Way and Virtue). Without a clear articulation of its normative underpinnings, mindful leadership can be easily exploited by leaders for immoral agendas and outcomes. The existing literature describes Daoist leadership as antithetical to autocratic leadership, and is unimposing and ethical. Giving additional insights to the construct of Daoist leadership, this essay argues that a Daoist leader exemplifies dao (Way-making) and wuwei (noncoercive action). Way-making is about influencing followers towards a common goal through the leader’s de (virtue). In addition, a Daoist leader promotes wuwei by enacting non-interfering, inspiring, liberating and nurturing management practices. Daoist principles provide an ethical foundation of mindful leadership by replacing McMindfulness with attentiveness to moral virtues. By foregrounding the centrality of ethics in leadership, this study seeks to open a line of inquiry and raise thought-provoking questions on the normative basis of mindful leadership.

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“…Human agency is achieved when humans critique traditional thinking and ways of life, fast their heart–mind, and wander in harmony. It follows that Zhuangzi's freedom for individuals is not self‐centered and is compatible with collectivism, as long as the latter enables the shared experience of liberty for all beings (Tan, 2021, forthcoming).…”

Section: Major Implicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Daoism, Novelty, and Usefulness: A Philosophical Exploration of Creativity

Tan

2022

Journal of Creative Behavior

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This paper elucidates a Daoist perspective of creativity by focusing on novelty and usefulness. Drawing on the thought of Zhuangzi, it is noted that he advocates original and unorthodox views by challenging social norms and traditional practices. He also questions the prevailing notions and assumptions concerning the usefulness and uselessness of things and people. To liberate humans from conventional commitment and judgment, Zhuangzi recommends two Daoist concepts. The first is "fasting of the heart-mind" (xin zhai) where a person empties oneself of preconceived ideas and practices. The second Daoist notion is "wandering" (you) where one responds to people, things, and situations in an open-minded, appreciative, playful, and spontaneous manner. There are three major implications arising from a Zhuangzian conception of creativity: it contributes to an existing literature gap on the philosophy of creativity, extends the research on Eastern formulations of creativity that hitherto have centered on Confucianism, and challenges and reconstructs the prevalent understandings and presuppositions concerning creativity and related terms.

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Rethinking the notion of the high-performing education system: A Daoist response

Cited by 8 publications

References 51 publications

Future-readiness and its educational implications: A Daoist interpretation

Future-readiness and its educational implications: A Daoist interpretation

A Daoist understanding of mindful leadership

Daoism, Novelty, and Usefulness: A Philosophical Exploration of Creativity

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