Pedagogics is comparatively a static science which is demonstrated by the fact that as far as any pedagogical theories (includes the content, form, principle or methods etc) have been formed, they exist in a comparatively fixed and static way. While pedagogical philosophy, is a dynamic science. It originated from philosophy and is a subject that explains educational theories and practices with a philosophy view. Confucian education philosophy connected education with the people’s moral development and social responsibility and thus led to a Chinese classical education philosophy system, namely "ontology- human nature – cognition-education-morality".
Pan Tianshou (1897-1971) was a well-known artist of traditional Chinese painting and an art educationist in the 20th century and has been regarded as a great master through hundreds of generations by modern art circles. He has got great achievements in many fields in art, for instance, poem writing, calligraphy, painting, seal carving, art history critics, art theory etc. Pan Tianshou possessed all the qualities that traditional artists should have, but his work is far more than traditional art work. This reason is that he had never been ruled by conventions and was of a pioneering spirit. Meanwhile, Pan Tianshou well versed himselfin both ancient and modern learning and got hold of the direction of the development of art education with a dynamic and philosophy view. He was the first people who taught traditional Chinesefigure painting, landscape painting and flower and bird painting as independent courses and he initiated the training subject of calligraphy carving. He had gone through all kinds of hardships and difficultiesbut he stuck to his position as an art instructor of traditional Chinese fine arts and had made great contributions in the field.
Modern education philosophy emphasizes that differentcontents, forms and methods should be taken according to the educational environment, educational objects, contents and history during the practice. "What educational philosophy focuses most on is people’s life and educational practice." This article discusses Pan Tianshou’s educational philosophy from the view of educational philosophy manifestation and is based on Pan Tianshou’s educational practice. His philosophy is mainly demonstrated in the following four respects: 1. both knowledge and students’ all-round qualities are equally important; 2. correctly treat the relationship of sensibility and rational thinking; 3. fully stimulate students’enthusiasm to learn; 4. think the development direction of art education with a view of whole nation.
During his more than 40 years teaching, Pan Tianshou was guided by Confucian education thoughts and art innovative thinking and explored to form a unique Chinese modern are education system. His educational philosophy is of directive significance for art education in modern art schools.