도덕지식과 도덕품성의 합일에 관한 연구-맹자의 ‘지언과 양기’ 해석을 중심으로-

Abstract

The integration of knowledge and practice has long been a central theme in moral philosophy across cultures and eras. This study explores the issue of integrating ‘knowledge’ and ‘virtue’ within the Confucian tradition, focusing on Mencius's theory of “Zhiyan”(知言, “knowing words”) and “Yangqi”(養氣, “nurturing the qi”). In this context, “Zhiyan” refers to the pursuit of moral knowledge, while “Yangqi” emphasizes the importance of moral practice in Mencius's method of self-cultivation. First, the study examines the convergence of knowledge and virtue based on an understanding of Mencius's concept of the mind and the theory of Zhiyan and Yangqi. Next, it explores the integration of external objective knowledge and internal subjective knowledge through the mind's cognitive functions. Finally, the study derives implications for contemporary character education from the integration of moral knowledge and moral character. While this research does not claim to have completely resolved the longstanding issue of the integration of moral knowledge and moral character in moral philosophy, it clearly reveals that Mencius sought to approach the integration of knowledge and practice, and of knowledge and virtue, through the dual cultivation methods of “Zhiyan” and “Yangqi.” It is anticipated that this research will expand the horizons of not only moral philosophy but also character education.