ABSTRACT
In this chapter I have attempted to couple contrary, contemporary perspectives on education and teaching with educational ideas from Eastern philosophies, to provide what Clarke (1997) called 'ancient wisdoms adapted and applied to the present condition' – in this case the condition of globalisation. I want to argue that the interchange of ideas between Asian and Western thought offers an opportunity for the analysis and understanding of, and potential for a new response to the forces of globalisation which are evident in their reported impact on teachers' lives and work (e.g. Delors, 1996; Smyth et al, 2000). The chapter will weigh some of that evidence and those ideas with personal perspectives and experience in search of a positive, enabling, and educative response to what might otherwise be perceived as a pessimistic prospect for education in general and teacher education in particular.
