理先氣後와 理生氣에 대한 새로운 해석 - 理의 두 성격과 <시간적 선재설>의 가능성 모색

Abstract

Among the issues left behind by Zhu Xi(朱熹)'s Thought is the problematic debate about ‘Li First and Qi Next(理先氣後)’ and ‘Li produces Qi(理生氣).’ The majority of existing scholars' views on this debate are in favor of the theory of Logical pre-existence rather than the theory of Temporal pre-existence. It solves this problem only from the perspective of cosmogenesis or the Ti-Yong(體用) concept and negates the theory of temporal pre-existence. This paper is novel in that it proposes that ‘Li First and Qi Next(理先氣後)’ and ‘Li produces Qi(理生氣)’ can be viewed as partly temporal pre-existence. First of all, there can be Li that have already been realized in the world at least once by an actual Qi, and Li that have not been realized. The former is the Li that has already been realized in the world and becomes the past, while the latter has the characteristic of timelessness because it resides in the intangible Taiji(太極) that encompasses all Li. The Li of pastness here refers to the Li that has already been realized by the temporally preceding Qi. Li itself has no temporality. However, it is realized by Qi and remains as a pattern in the world of space and time. In that sense, if there is no Li of pastness at all, the Qi of the present moment cannot begin to generate it because, without the past, there can be no present. Only when there is an inheritance from the past can the generation of Qi in the present moment begin. This Li of pastness can be seen as the foundation of the present in every moment. In this sense, there is no reason to limit the meaning of A and B to cosmogenesis or Ti-yong. They can also be viewed as ontological events that are basically related to the occurrence of all things. Furthermore, it explains how this discussion is compatible with the modern scientific understanding of time. In conclusion, although Zhu Xi's references to A and B reveal some unclear issues that have not been resolved, it seems that his careful and deep gaze has at least glimpsed these points and consequently left them as his own arguments.