‘의상론(意象論)’의 형성과 유학적 본성론의 우주⋅생태주의적 확장: ‘인공지능 윤리’를 위한 유학의 ‘성선설’과 ‘의상론’ 연구

Abstract

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence in recent years, discussions on 'human nature' and consciousness have emerged as a hot topic. Since AGI's thinking principles, grounds for judgment, and principles of behavior must be harmonized with the global environment, including human society, we should consider the good nature of AGI before developing it. In addition, the invention of AGI is to give itself an existential task to prove our independent value, which is distinguished from machines. How can we prove the value distinguished from AGI? At this time when the full-fledged opening of the artificial intelligence era is expected, the main task given to mankind is in the area of mind and consciousness rather than the technology of making machines. And the theory of human nature in Confucianism can provide appropriate wisdom to solve such problems. Confucianism in East Asia has discussed 'Good human nature' based on 'Cosmology of organisms', unlike the human philosophy developed based on 'Cosmology of machines' for a very long time. In East Asia's 'Cosmology of organisms,' humans are a small universe that resembles the universe and are born with a good nature that harmonizes with the whole. And AI that we're going to produce should also be in harmony with the entire universe. For this reason, this paper discussed the process of forming and developing the theory of human nature in Confucianism to participate in solving philosophical tasks for AI era. Confucius' epistemology, which originated from human philosophy, led to Mencius' psychosomatic correlation theory, forming the framework of 'Good human nature' theory, which was added to 'Cosmology of organisms' and the research results of oriental medicine. Due to the 'Yixiang' theory, 'Good human nature' theory of Confucianism has an actual medical basis, and the scope of perception has expanded to space and ecologicalism through our "body" as nature. Along the formation of 'Yixiang' theory, the theory of 'Good human nature' in Confucianism included a democratic and equal attitude toward all, emphasizing individual "self-reliance" and "autonomy," and the responsibility of Confucian scholars who thought of the whole expanded their empathy and consideration beyond human society to space and ecosystem. Therefore, the theory of human nature in Confucianism, developed based on the theory of 'Yixiang', is an essential study in modern society that will greatly contribute to the establishment of 'AI ethics' that will enrich human society.