Purpose

In complicated and rapidly-changing modern technological life, it is necessary to come to a moral consensus. Such a consensus can enable us distinguish right from wrong and to think, speak, or act reasonably to build a harmonious and prosperous society. This study aims to contribute to modern education by discussing the spirit of rationality of Confucianism and the key factors of the Chinese philosopher Xunzi’s method of “argumentation” for debate or dialectics.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a conceptual analysis and hermeneutic approach to the collected writings of Xunzi, The Xunzi, to explore the meaning, necessary conditions, and significance for education of Xunzi’s concept of “argumentation.”

Findings/results

In the tumultuous Warring States Period, Xunzi proposed “argumentation” to argue for the value of “propriety;” that is, to distinguish right and wrong and to convince people to reach a moral consensus. He stipulated several rules on the correct use of language and encouraged speakers to follow these rules to more precisely and truthfully understand ideas and principles as well as to make their arguments more persuasive. Moreover, these rules encouraged virtues such as benevolence, tolerance, fairness, respect, and moral courage. He also noted that speakers must judge what the appropriate meaning of “propriety” is in a given situation.

For rational and effective “argumentation,” Xunzi proposed principles for creating and using terms as well as fallacies in the use of language. He also described several methods of cognitive correction and emphasized that, when debating or arguing about values, people should be capable of thinking critically and holistically, offer sufficient reasons, and use language that conforms to the rules of logic or reason. These rules include consistency in meaning, an absence of contradictions, and congruity with factual experience. Furthermore, the cultivation of several virtues is also indispensable for successful “argumentation.”

By presenting these essential requirements of rational and successful “argumentation,” Xunzi clearly identified the capabilities and virtues that speakers should cultivate, including reasonable, comprehensive, and appropriate thinking, discourse, or action. These capabilities and virtues could be used as a reference in modern education to meet the demands of today’s complex and rapidly changing society while also helping communities form a moral consensus that is rational and useful for their context.

Originality/value

Xunzi’s concept of “argumentation” emphasizes logic and reason in discourse, distinguishes between right and wrong, and focuses on persuading others to accept moral values by considering the concept of “propriety”. It includes explicit principles and methods but is also emblematic of the critical spirit of Confucianism and its goal of maintaining a harmonious society. By manifesting virtues and wisdom in discourse, “argumentation” highlights the characteristics and function of discourse in Confucian philosophy. This is useful for present-day education.

Implications for policy/practice

This study argues that Xunzi’s concept of “argumentation” includes the notions of reasonable thinking, discourse, action and virtues that support the development of a rational value consensus. This study’s contributions to education as follows:

1. Based on a consideration of traditional cultural values, this study reveals the contemporary significance of Confucianism, especially for discourse.

2. This study discusses a different aspect of Xunzi’s philosophy, exploring its meanings and the essential capabilities and virtues of rational discourse, as a guide for education.

3. This study identifies strategies for rational thinking and discussion that can help us respond to rapid changes in our increasingly complex world.