• The Journal of Korean Philosophical History
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• no.28
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• pp.331-362
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• 2010

Simjae defined the relationship between Learning of Classics and Learning of the Mind-and-Heart as mutually interdependent. Clarifying "righteousness and principle" lies within the purview of "knowledge" and cultivating the mind-and-heart based on such knowledge lies within the realm of "action." Learning of Classics and Learning of Controlling the Mind-and-Heart thus can be understood as relationship between knowledge and action. If Simjae's theory of knowledge and action is applied to the relationship between Learning of Classics and Learning of the Mind-and-Heart, we can derive the following conclusion. His assertion that "knowledge precedes action" indicates that classical studies to explore the principle of goodness must precede mind-and-heart studies to cultivate the mind. In fact, only when we know what is the right principle can we cultivate our mind based on that principle. However, Simjae attached importance to action in terms of its significance. This means that the Learning of the Mind-and-Heart is "eventually more important" than the Learning of Classics which explores the principle of goodness. Thus, when linked to his theory on knowledge and action, Simjae 's philosophy founded on the twin pillars of classical studies and mind-and-heart studies can be summarized: "One must first delve into the principle of goodness through Confucian classical studies and then rectify one's mind based on knowledge thus gained."