PHAN THANH GIAN’S EDUCATIONAL THOUGHT: A HUMANIST VISION IN THE TRANSITION ERA OF VIETNAMESE HISTORY

Abstract

Phan Thanh Gian (1796–1867) was one of the eminent mandarins of the Nguyen Dynasty. His educational philosophy was not merely a path to acquiring knowledge, but fundamentally a means of cultivating character, constructing moral values, and nurturing a sense of social responsibility. Rooted in traditional Vietnamese culture and Eastern ethics, he emphasized that learning must be inseparable from moral self-cultivation, grounded in humaneness (nhân nghĩa), measured by practical action, and ultimately aimed at fostering patriotism and compassion for the people. For Phan Thanh Gian, education should not produce individuals who merely submit to authority, but rather form persons who live with ideals, moral integrity, and the capacity to serve society with both intellect and conscience. Employing a historical-logical approach and the method of analytical-synthetic review of relevant documents, this study elucidates the core values in his educational thought, including: the primacy of ethics in education, the importance of self-directed learning, and the intellectual’s responsibility toward society and the nation. Phan Thanh Gian’s educational ideas not only shed light on a period of profound historical transition in Vietnam but also offer valuable insights for today’s educational reforms particularly regarding the formation of learners’ character and moral resilience.