실학(實學)과 실학파(實學派) 문학의 쟁점과 방향

Abstract

Currently, the field of silhak(Practical Learning, 實學) is viewed both as a historical reality and as an imaginative fiction shaped by modernity. In this context, this paper examines the debates surrounding silhak and Silhak School literature to reconsider the direction of silhak. The concept of silhak is not limited to a specific period in the late Joseon Dynasty but is a universal concept within Confucianism. Despite its conceptual incompleteness, silhak was a valid framework for addressing the emerging concerns and spirit of the times during the late Joseon period. Although the modern orientation and nationalist spirit of silhak have faced criticism since the 20th century, the efforts of early researchers to identify these elements were among the best academic achievements of their time. This paper also reflects on how we should approach silhak today, moving beyond past discourses. In examining the relationship between silhak and other schools of thought, I propose adopting the logic of mutuality(對待) rather than binary opposition. This logic suggests that contradictions and opposites can coexist and develop together in a complementary manner(相反相成). The sages did not resolve contradictions by avoiding binary thinking but instead sought growth and transformation through the logic of mutuality. Therefore, the relationship between silhak and Neo-Confucianism, as well as the issue of silhak's modernity, should also be examined through this lens. Furthermore, since the formation and development of silhak involved complex internal and external factors, I suggest moving beyond an internalist perspective to emphasize active interaction and communication with external influences. Regarding Silhak School literature, this paper explores the intrinsic nature of literature to examine its relationship with silhak and to consider its direction. It is suggested that identifying the aesthetic qualities and expressive techniques unique to silhak scholars' writings can enrich and diversify the implications of Silhak School literature. Such exploration can also help clarify the distinctions between the Neo-Confucian concept of Dao(道) and the practical notion of Truth(眞), further illuminating the characteristics of both silhak and Silhak School literature.