The Chinese Origin of Xue (Learning)

Abstract

Highlights The concept of xue (学) played a central role in Chinese education. Through the analysis of this key concept, we can further explain the internal differences between Chinese and Western educational cultures and systems. By mastering numerical divination techniques, shi (historians, 史) recast their role from that of sorcerers to that of civil officials. Such a shift laid the foundation necessary for xue to transform from a venue for military decision-making into a place for cultural and educational engagement after the Western Zhou Dynasty. In addition to shaping its core philosophical spirit, the origin of xue established its significance in traditional Chinese social and cultural contexts. It has contributed to the formation and transformation of the concept of de (virtue, 德) and continues to exert a great influence on contemporary Chinese education.