신득구의 하늘에 대한 회의와 이단 인식

Abstract

Shin Deuk-gu has not been known in the academic world for a long time, but more than 10 papers have been published so far. Accordingly, the meaning of his controversy was largely revealed. In my view, these studies were insufficient to reveal his motivation for proposing a new theory while confronting the environment of the times. This is because research was focused on his ‘new theory’ and neglected to examine the letters and miscellaneous articles included in the collection. Shin Deuk-gu was dissatisfied that the principle of priori principle is not working properly. It is interpreted as a cry of the ruling class over their inability to respond to the invasion of Western powers, which were regarded as heretics. Shin Deuk-gu came to distrust Heaven as he saw Heaven could not react according to its principles to the barbarism that invaded foreign country and destroyed ethics. Distrusting heaven, which was considered to be a perfect entity that constantly realizes a priori principles and thus a being that guarantees the permanence of the Tao, was an act that destroy the foundation of the Tao, and so he became the target of criticism by Confucian scholars. His despair was a sign of change that had the potential to lead to a realization that Confucianism can not solve the problems of the times. However, because it was not a systematic suspicion, it dould not lead to awakening and philosophical change.