Abstract: Liberty, though an ancient concept that has long draw much attention from both the East and the West, bears different connotations in the two cultures, and thus is achieved with different approaches. The thought of “liberty” in Confucian culture carries a unique dimension. However, an introduction of its western connotation since modern times has infused confusion to its interpretation. Such a negative impact invaded China’s education, moral education in particular, and progressed into the educational goals and the shaping of moral subject. This paper attempts to clarify various problems in the current school moral education through the different interpretations of the “liberty” of the East and the West, so as to realize the deep integration and effective communication between the two sides in the new era.

Key words: liberty, Confucian culture, Western culture, moral education, interpretation of meaning