| dc.description.abstract | By investigating the theoretical debates between Ki Jungjin(기정진，奇正鎮), Lee Hangro(이항로，李恆⽼), Lee Jin-sang(이진상，李震相) and Jeon woo(전우，⽥愚), this thesis demonstrates the later period of Korean Neo-Confucianism and emphasizes its importance in the modern interpretation of Zhuism.
The theory of Ki Jungjin, Lee Hangro and Lee Jin-sang is related with the school of Toegye. However, the theory of Jeon woo is influenced by the school of Yulgok. Ki Jungjin concentrates on the interpretation of “li-yi-feng-shu”(理一分殊), Li Hwaseo claims “MingDeJuLi”(明德主理), while Li Han-Ju presents “Simjeukli”(心即理), and Jeon woo claims “soeng sa sim je”(性師⼼弟). All those theories focus on the same question: How is moral practice possible in Zhuism?
Ki-Jeongjin, Li Hwaseo and Li Han-Ju claim that by following Xin, Li actually guides all our behaviors. Li Hwaseo and Li Han-Ju even emphasize that Li exists in everyone’s mind, by obeying the request of Li, we can take moral action naturally. This interpretation re-emphasizes the idea of “Xing Li” in Zhuism. On the other hand, Jeon woo disagrees to the interpretations mentioned above. He claims that Li can not directly rule Qi, and whether Li can rule Qi or not depends on our mind (Xin) to follow Li. Therefore, he highlights the importance of Xin looking up to Li and follows Li reverently, which enables us to reflect all our behavior whether it is against the request of Li. Jeon woo believes this is the only way we can act morally. The argumentation of Jeon woo highlights the importance of self-reflection, which is crucial to moral practice.
By analysizing those theories above, this thesis concludes three debates in “Simseol argument”: (1) When we act, does Li “command” us, or does it just “inspire” us ? (2) Do they positively confirm the importance of the changing of Qi in moral practice? (3) In moral practice, is the existence of Xin based on Xing Li? Or these two actually work separately? By investigating those debates among the later period of Korean Neo-Confucianism, this thesis hopes to demonstrate the details and philosophical richness they have brought to the interpretation of Zhuism and provide another perspective for understanding modern Zhuism. Thus we can realize the importance of the later period of Korean Neo-confucianism in the modern Zhuism and the value of those debates. | en_US |