Collective consciousness, the state and the world: rethinking civic education from Western political philosophy and the Taiwan experience

Abstract The political order established by Western liberalism, alongside the educational emphasis on developing individual autonomy, has become the focus for many non-Western countries. After the 1980s, the claims of communitarianism, multiculturalism, and feminism contributed to the rise of collective consciousness, exemplified by the power of collective rights, thereby reshaping the conceptions of liberalism. The appeal of collective consciousness has led some Western scholars to justify patriotism as a virtue. This article compares Taiwan’s political development with the development of Western political philosophy since 1949. By examining the social movements that accompanied Taiwan’s democratization process and highlighting the advancement made in reconciling with indigenous peoples and promoting gender equality, I illustrate the profound impact of collective rights on Taiwan’s political development. Finally, I explore the impact of global affairs on the evolution of Taiwan’s national identity. Through the examination of the Taiwanese context, I pinpoint a fundamental essence of civic education: collective consciousness should not compromise individual autonomy, nor should it reject the universal principle of liberalism in favour of relative and pluralistic values. Specifically, there is a need to remain vigilant against the risks posed by the manipulation of a national identity and patriotism to justify the enforcement of rule by law, thus undermining the principles of the liberal rule of law. Civic education should serve as an integral component of contemporary global ethics in all nations.