각일기성(各一其性)에 관한 율곡 만년정론 논쟁: 이현익 대 권상하ㆍ한원진의 논쟁

Abstract

As the root of debate whether human and animal nature is the same or different, a debate between Ho-Rak groups on whether the individual nature is li or, uniting li and ki, had developed in the late Joseon period. The topic was the main point of Horak debate. Yulgok Yi I said the nature is li: Benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and sincerity, in the Essential Sage Learning. On the other hand, Yi I said the nature is uniting li and ki in Reply to Seong Howon, a difference between human nature and animal nature. On those, Jeongam Yi Hyeonik, a member of Rak group, claimed Yi I’s established theory on the nature is li, the Essential Sage Learning. By contrast, Suam Gwon Sangha claimed the individual nature of Yi I is uniting li and ki. The individual nature means only li in the Essential Sage Learning, whereas both li and ki in Reply to Seong Howon. That after, Namdang Han Wonjin, a disciple of Gwon Sangha and Ho scholar, claimed that of Yi I is the same as uniting li and ki, criticizing Yi Hyeonik’s argument and supporting for Gwon Sangha’s. They believed Yi I’s sayings are consistent, so his latter year establishing theory is not. Han Wonjin regarded the nature as not two but one. When some see only li, it is li. But he sees both li and ki, it is uniting li and ki, according to Han. Therefore, the former is Original Nature, while the latter Original Nature or Physical Nature. The individual nature is only li meaning Original Nature of first principle in the Essential Sage Learning, whereas both li and ki of function from principle in Reply to Seong Howon. Yi I saw the individual nature with both original nature and physical nature, so the interpretations of Yi I by Yi Hyeonik, Gwon and Han is difficult regarding as correct.