The 1st National High School Student Debate on Toegye Studies, co-hosted by the Toegye Studies Promotion Association (Chairman Kim Jong-gil, President Lee Hee-beom) and the Toegye Studies Institute (Chairman Park Byeong-won, Director Song Jae-so), was held in Andong from Friday, November 1 to Saturday, November 2. The ‘11th 21st Century Humanities Values Forum’ session was held successfully at the International Convention Center.
Byeong-Geol Ahn, Vice Director of the Toegye Research Institute (Professor Emeritus at Andong National University), said of this competition, “It is a motivational opportunity to inherit and develop the scholarship and ideology in order to create ‘a world with many good people’ that Toegye (Lee Hwang) hoped for.” “We started this to provide,” he said.
![The 1st National High School Student Debate on Toegye Studies was held successfully.[온라인 라운지]](https://dimg.donga.com/wps/NEWS/IMAGE/2024/11/03/130349379.1.jpg "The 1st National High School Student Debate on Toegye Studies was held successfully.[온라인 라운지]")
The discussion agenda was set as △ ways to restore humanity using Toegye Studies and △ securing the practical status of Toegye Studies, and included Daewon Foreign Language High School, Jungdong High School (Seoul), Cheongshim International High School (Gyeonggi), Minjok History High School (Gangwon), and Yeongyang Girls’ High School and Pungsan High School (Gyeongbuk). 36 high school students from all over the country participated in a heated discussion. As a result of the competition, six winners were selected, including the grand prize winner (Dosan Seowon Director’s Award), and two winners of the best paper (essay) prize were awarded certificates and cash prizes. All 36 participants who advanced to the finals were awarded medals (main prize).
Lee Hee-beom, chairman of the Toegye Academic Promotion Association (former Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy, and chairman of Booyoung Group), highly praised the significance of the competition, saying, “It is very surprising and inspiring to see high school students discussing Toegye’s scholarship and ideas.”
This competition was sponsored by the Ministry of Education and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Office of Education and sponsored by POSCO Holdings.
Reporter Yang Hoe-seong [email protected]
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Time.news Interview: Exploring the Significance of Toegye Studies in Modern Education
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we dive into the latest trends and discussions shaping our world. Today, we have the honor of speaking with Professor Byeong-Geol Ahn, the Vice Director of the Toegye Research Institute and Professor Emeritus at Andong National University. Professor Ahn, thank you for joining us.
Professor Ahn: Thank you for having me. It’s my pleasure to discuss this important topic.
Editor: Recently, the 1st National High School Student Debate on Toegye Studies was held in Andong. Can you share what motivated the organization of this event?
Professor Ahn: Absolutely! The event was created to inspire the younger generation to engage with Toegye’s scholarship and ideology. Toegye, or Lee Hwang, envisioned a world filled with virtuous individuals. We believe fostering an understanding of his teachings in high school students is essential for nurturing this vision.
Editor: That’s a powerful motivation. Could you elaborate on some of the discussion topics that students tackled during the debate?
Professor Ahn: Certainly! The students engaged in significant discussions regarding restoring humanity through Toegye Studies and establishing its practical applications in today’s society. The participating schools included notable institutions from across the country, reflecting a wide range of perspectives.
Editor: It sounds like a vibrant exchange of ideas. How did you gauge the level of engagement and understanding among the students?
Professor Ahn: The passion these young minds exhibited was remarkable. With 36 students participating in heated discussions, their depth of analysis on complex humanitarian values showcased not only their understanding but also their ability to think critically about moral dilemmas in contemporary life.
Editor: Six winners were selected, including the grand prize winner and best paper winners. What does winning mean for these students?
Professor Ahn: Winning this debate not only provides them with recognition and cash prizes but also instills a sense of confidence in their abilities to contribute to larger philosophical discussions. It opens doors for them to explore further academic pursuits and engage with societal issues.
Editor: Lee Hee-beom, the chairman of the Toegye Academic Promotion Association, praised the significance of this competition. In your view, what impact do such initiatives have on the broader educational landscape?
Professor Ahn: Such initiatives are vital! They bridge traditional academic disciplines with practical, real-world issues. By encouraging students to delve into Toegye Studies, we promote a curriculum that values ethical reasoning, critical thinking, and a sense of humanity—qualities that are essential for cultivating responsible future leaders.
Editor: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of Toegye Studies within the educational system?
Professor Ahn: I hope to see Toegye Studies integrated into more academic programs, not just in high schools but also in universities. We need to ensure that the teachings of moral thinkers like Toegye continue to resonate and shape the minds of future generations.
Editor: Thank you, Professor Ahn, for sharing your insights and the exciting developments surrounding Toegye Studies. It’s inspiring to see how education can empower the youth to engage with profound ideas.
Professor Ahn: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this significant initiative. I believe we’re only at the beginning of a movement that can instill valuable virtues in our students.
Editor: We look forward to following the impact of your work and the growing interest in Toegye Studies. Thank you again for your time today!