• The Journal of Korean Philosophical History
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• no.30
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• pp.87-121
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• 2010

Soang excavates the idea of equality in our national indigenous thoughts and the theoretical structure of threefold egalitarianism in our traditional Confucianism. He also digests diverse Western thoughts and introduces some of them into his theory. At first sight, his theory looks like an assembly of diverse Western thoughts. However, he always justifies it with our traditions. Even if his theory and political position fails in his time, it gives us valuable instructions. First, if the failure of his political center position means an opening road toward Korean division, his political position must be a future guide for the reunification of Korean peninsula. Second, if the bi-polarization is a serious disease of our society, then his view of egalitarianism must be a efficient guide for curing our society. Third, as European Union shows us, the kingly view of world family is a feasible guide for realizing world peace in future.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.37
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• pp.297-328
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• 2021

This paper aims to find out from what perspective Joseon Dynasty Confucian scholars evaluated and understood Yang Xiong's guiding principles and literature at the micro level and to reveal the academic trends of Joseon Dynasty Confucian scholars. This topic is approached as follows: first, an evaluation of Yang Xiong's way of living as a 'senior state official of Wang Mang (the controversial Emperor of the short-lived Xin Dynasty)'; second, Yang Xiong's literary character and his literary works; third, Yang Xiong's writing style; and fourth, Yang Xiong's view of good and evil. These can be summarized in three main ways: One is to agree with Zhu Xi's criticism of Yang Xiong as a 'senior state official of Wang Mang' and dismiss his guiding principles, academic achievements, literature, and other accomplishments. Most of these negatives have been found in Confucian scholars who are especially enthusiastic about theology. Examples include Hong Jikpil, Wi Baekgyu, Kim Wonhaeng, and Lee Sangjeong. In the case of kings such as King Yeong-Jo, the assessment of Yang Xiong is quite similar. The following assessments of Yang Xiong are positive though. Positive assessments are presented from two different views. One is a balanced approach that covers both the positive and negative aspects of Yang Xiong. For example, Heo-Kyun's understanding. Another positive view can be analyzed from three perspectives. The first case is when the scholars assessing Yang Xiong were not deeply influenced by Zhu Xi's criticism of him. Seo Geojeong and Seong-Hyeon are examples. The second case are those that broke away from theology or adhered to Silhak [Practical Studies]. Yi-Ik is an example. Third, assessments from scholars who posited that truth was of a pluralistic nature. Jang-Yu is an example of such scholars. Regarding theories of human nature; however, there was consensus among Confucian scholars that Mengzi held that human nature is good, and thereby it was common to criticize Yang Xiong's theory that human nature was a mixture of good and evil. From an ideal micro perspective, Joseon Dynasty Confucian scholars' different assessments of Yang Xiong show that their understanding and evaluation of Yang Xiong differed in accordance with their own differing worldviews and ideas.

• The Journal of Korean Philosophical History
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• no.58
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• pp.307-336
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• 2018

This paper traces the historical genealogy of the subjectivity and the silsim (實心, true mind) that appear in Jeong In-Bo's "gukhak" (國學, the national learning) thought and illuminates its characteristics. In the modern East Asian history of thought, the beginning of the emergence of subjectivity and the silsim as the main philosophical topic comes from the Neo-Confucianism of Song Dynasty in China. Cheng Yi is the first thinker to emphasize subjectivity and consciousness. Zhu Xi and Wang Yang-ming inherit the Neo-Confucian thought based on Cheng Yi's principle of subjectivity, but only show difference in methodology. In the Chosun Dynasty, Jeong Je-Doo and his School were one example of the Neo-Confucian spirit of subjectivity and the silsim. Although Jeong In-Bo (鄭寅普) belongs to Jeong Je-Doo's school of Ganghwa in the school curriculum, he has only used it methodologically since he believed that Yangming's learning is more effective in the awareness and practice of the silsim. Especially noteworthy is that the principle of subjectivity led Jeong In-Bo to follow the frame of Zhu Xi's moral theory. Jeong's claim that selfish desire (jasasim 自私心) should be controlled by a conscious mind (silsim) being aware of the right and 'ought to do' corresponds to Zhu Xi's view that the moral mind (dosim 道心) should be selected in the conflict situation between sensual desire (insim 人心) and moral consciousness so that the insim should be supervised by the dosim. Such ethics is a position to emphasize the inner motive and the sense of duty of conduct, and there is no fundamental difference in Zhu Xi and Wang Yang-ming. At least on this point, it is necessary to look at modern and contemporary Korean studies from the perspective of continuity, not discontinuity from Confucian tradition.

• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
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• no.33
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• pp.335-358
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• 2008

Hosan Park Moon Ho lived in the truly eventful era with keen competition of western powers, invasion of Japan, Confucianism based Movement against Western Power, Volunteer Army Movement against Japanese and etc. Therefore, his learning and idea could not help being related with such difficult environment of his country. Especially, his idea is directly related with such historical environment of his era in terms of his claims as follow: He thought that Christianity destroyed Korean traditional idea and good customs; he claimed that the nation should subdue the betrayers who were at the Japanese side and be revenged on the murder of the empress Myeongseong; and he advocated his own theory for civilization that the nation should be strictly against the imperial invasion of western powers but work for GaeMulSeongMu(開物成務: Achieving Everything through Enlightenment on Meaning of Everything) and HwaMin SeongSok(化民成俗: Forming Beautiful Customs by Educating the People). The problem that should be urgently solved that time was, first of all, to repel the invasion of Japan and western powers and to realize Confucianism based political ideal by scheming political and social stability and saving the people's livelihood from distress through such repelling.

• The Journal of Korean Philosophical History
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• no.25
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• pp.381-410
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• 2009

It is a very important book about painting theory, that "Xuanhehuapu"(宣和畵譜) was wrote by Emperor Huizhong(徽宗) in Song Dynasty. Fundamental discussions and studies in the relation of socio-economical base in Song Dynasty are still more needed. And accordingly, it is necessary to advent upgraded aesthetical articles. Li xue(理?) deeply influenced upon paintings and its theories in Song Dynasty. Similarly, Taoism(道家) and Zen Buddhism(?宗) also did. But some people who have not found "Xuanhehuapu" important meaning and rich and complicated aesthetic thought, gave low and even negative valuation to it. There is rich aesthetic in "Xuanhehuapu", which is not as simple and narrow as some people imagined. It was deeply influenced by the aesthetic thought of Confucianism(Lixue 理學), Taoism(Zhuangzi 莊子) and "Zhouyi"({周易}). I will be analytical in a few aspects "Xuanhehuapu" of aesthetics thought. 1. The calligraphy and painting is one flesh. 2. learn a good lesson from painting. 3. The handicrafts(Art, 藝) and Tao(道) unify. 4. It is a Art taxology. 5. It use a new art criticism methods.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.44
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• pp.263-297
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• 2023

This study aims to understand human nature in Daesoon Thought. In addition, it seeks to determine the characteristics of human nature and how the theory of human nature in Daesoon Thought relates to the direction of the Basic Works and the Three Major Societal Works of Daesoon Jinrihoe. In order to understand the theory of human nature in Daesoon Thought, I have classified various theories of human nature that appear in the Confucian tradition and have analyzed and reviewed them. I used this framework of types as a methodological criterion to study the theory of human nature found in Daesoon Thought. In Daesoon Thought, human nature is defined clearly as the conscience that is honest and truthful. Also, it accepts humans' basic biological needs, the pursuit of clothing, food, and sexual desires as part of human nature. This view can be evaluated as quite similar, although not perfectly consistent, with the theory of human nature posited by Wang Fuzhi (王夫之), who defined human nature as a combination of morality and biological desires. The theory of human nature in Daesoon Thought emphasizes human morality, but at the same time, it fully accepts that biological needs are basic elements of human life. In addition, it shows a characteristic that strongly implies a religious tendency as it recognizes that human nature is internalized through divine commands issued by the Supreme God of the Ninth Heaven (九天上帝 Gucheon Sangje), the transcendent and absolute ruler. The Basic Works of Daesoon Jinrihoe, which are Propagation, Edification, and Cultivation, aim to restore human nature to its innate state of honesty and truthfulness. Among the Three Major Societal Works, we can see that the works of Social Welfare and Charity Aid are implemented in accordance with the accepting acknowledgment of basic human needs (the pursuit of clothing, food, and sexual desires), and helping people meet their needs in appropriate ways and to appropriate degrees.

• The Journal of Korean Philosophical History
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• no.31
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• pp.33-52
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• 2011

This study intends to understand Kobong's thought, especially the problem of Self-cultivation. Kobong, along with Toegye(退溪), is a major figure to understand Confucian ideas of Chosun in the 16th century. There has been a lot of research centered on Kobong's Four-beginnings(四端) and Seven-emotions(七情), but not much on the Self-cultivation of Kobong. Confucianism is basically to seek after actualization of Perfect Virtue(仁) and the way to be a sage, through the pursuit of self-discipline(修己 明明德) and social practice(安人 新民). The problems of Confucianism might be summarized as follows: interest and appreciation for the source of existence(知天/事天); harmony in relationships and practices(愛人/愛物); both of the above together. Therefore, Self-cultivation is to change the self, the subject of one's life, through the relationship between man and heaven. Kobong and Toegye had debated for about eight years(1559-1566) over the problem of human nature, especially emotion(情), and virtue and vice(善惡) fundamental position of Toegye is that the difference between Four-beginnings(四端) and Seven-emotions(七情) can be understood as emotion with qualitative distinction. By contrast, Kobong sees the relationship between Four-beginnings(四端) and Seven-emotions(七情) as that of total and partial. Discussion on the Four-beginnings(四端) and Seven-emotions(七情) is not restricted within the problem of logical analysis of concepts or theoretical validity, but come to a conclusion with the problem of Self-cultivation(修養). In this sense, Kobong tried to follow Neo-Confucian theory of human nature and self-cultivation, on the assumption of Confucian self-discipline and social practice.

• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
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• no.48
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• pp.195-223
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• 2012

Until now, I guess, many scholars misunderstood the characteristic of economic awareness of Yi Hang-no as if it was a modern nationalism or radicalism against Japanese anti-Korean insistences. But I think these opinions are out of historical attitude. So to understand Yi's economic awareness correctly, I think, We should focus on the traditional Confucian thought system at that time. As one method to reach the goal, I focused on the word, Jeong-jeon-je: Oriental equal land system. Yi Hang-no put the importance on Jeong-jeon-je to make utopia he dreamed of. Yi thought Jeong-jeon-je is the basis of equal society and strong state. Also Yi thought a moral society would be achieved by Jeong-jeon-je because the equal land system, so called Jeong-jeon-je provide peasants with equal lands, so it makes peasants stable in economic situation. Especially, Yi Hang-no put importance on that Jeong-jeon-je would raise moral consciousness of people because equal economic condition makes people wealthy, so people would be good men naturally. Yi Hang-no explain it in basis of Insim-Dosim-seol: a theory of two minds bad & good to be. Yi Hang-no thought equal economic condition is the basis of making people moral being. He thought Jeong-jeon-je was a basis of the condition. Reversely, Yi thought Western insists of trade was the beginning of making people fight for individual benefit, so it produces devil selfishness out of human mind. That was the reason that Yi Hang-no opposed the trade with Western Powers. Eventually Yi's assertion of embargo came out of his Insim-Dosim-seol. In this context, Yi's Jeong-jeon-je was insisted as a method to raise human moral consciousness.

• Journal of Korean Philosophical Society
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• v.141
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• pp.287-311
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• 2017

The major purpose of this article is to analyze Lee Jema's idea of 'cultivating the self,' and therefore reveal a difference between his idea and 'cultivating and nurturing (the mind)' shown in traditional medicine and Neo-Confucianism. For this purpose, I first analyzed 'cultivating and nurturing (the mind)' of traditional medicine and Neo-Confucianism and showed Lee Jema's originality by studying philosophical foundations of Sasang constitutional Medicine. The idea of 'cultivating and nurturing (the mind)' is transcendental in that it pursues the unity between humans and the principle of natural changes or the Heaven. However, Lee Jema developed his own medical theory by analyzing an ontological structure of human beings and nature and life, and reinterpreting four beginnings on the basis of experience. He reinterpreted humans as a being in the structure of time and space, and relationships with others. In addition, he reinterpreted nature and life and four beginnings as the capability of wisdom and action and the function of mind and body. Therefore, he tried to overcome a transcendental thinking to aim for the unity of humans with the Heaven. Also, he discovered that the most important reason for disease is biased emotions (moral/private) because biased emotions influenced the function of mind and body. The causal relationship is the basis of his medical theory. Therefore, his idea of cultivating the self is focused on being careful not to make emotions biased. This reveals that even though Sasang constitutional theory came from the traditional medical theory and Confucian morality, it developed on a different philosophical foundation. In this regard, I tried to differentiate Lee Jema's idea of cultivating the self from 'cultivating and nurturing (the mind)' which aims for the unity between humans and the principle of changes or the Heaven.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 1996

The Sasang Constitutional Medicine seeks the psychosomatic balance, and the Basic principle of treatment according to the symptom(病證藥理) in Sasang Constitutional Medicine could be summarize as follows. 1. The pursuit of Shape-Image Medicine (形象醫學) and the Symptoms of shape - Symptoms of disease (形置病證). It established emotion, symptoms of constitution, and symptoms of constitutional disease on the base of Shape-Image Medicine (形象醫學) which means qi (氣) is inside and shape is outside (氣裡形表). 2. The inductive medicine and positive medicine. It systematized the Symptoms of shape - Symptoms of disease (形證病證) on the base of the medical practice of the ancients and Lee Jae-Ma (李濟馬)'s own experience inductively, and it present show to control the psychosomatic balance practically. 3. The pathology centering on human. Oriental medicine is based on Yin-Yang (陰陽) and Five elements (五行) and the harmony of nature and human (天人相應) of Taoism, but Sasang Constitutional Medicine is based on emotional and ethical pathology of Confucianism (儒學). 4. The treatment according to the symptom (病證藥理) in Sasang Constitutional Medicine centering on clear qi (正氣). The promotion and demotion (補瀉) which is based on clear qi (正氣) and evil qi (邪氣) is a basic principle in Oriental medicine, but In Sasang Constitutional Medicine it is attached importance to control of clear qi and classify obedience symptom and disobedience symptom (順 逆症) as the type to oppose disease. 5. The treatment according to the psychomatic symptoms. It takes importances to control of one-sided emotion as well as the treatment of psychical symptoms, and also to remedy disease as keeping under control one's mind. 6. The preventive medicine and the medicine to develop one's health. It is in pursuit of social health to develop personality through clear qi (正氣) in real life, to prevent disease, and to spread the sickness control of individual person. Sasang Constitutional Medicine pursuits the psychosomatic balance through 'Balance', 'Control', 'Self regulating Control' of the 'Golden Mean (中庸)' with the treatment according to the symptom (病證藥理) in Sasang Constitutional Medicine.