주자의 태극해의 (太極解義) 일고-그 세계관을 중심으로-

Abstract

In the history of Chinese philosophy, Taijitu and Theory on Taijitu by Zhou Dun Yi (1017~1073) was a turning point. They were completion of ancient Chinese philosophical reasoning on cosmology, ontology and human theory and a starting point to guide Song’s Neo-Confucianism into a new direction and depth. Zhu Xi (1130~1200) wrote Taijitujie and Theory on Taijitujie that interpreted Taijitu and Theory on Taijitu and completed a vast and elaborate systematic philosophy that encompasses cosmology, ontology and human theory by actively embracing and interpreting Zhou Dun Yi’s thoughts. Zhou Dun Yi and Zhu Xi and their writings had a profound effect not only on development of Chinese philosophy by their posterity but on the world view of ancient East Asians. It was Taijitujie that completed Zhu Xi’s systematic philosophy. He solved a philosophical dilemma represented with Wu (absence) and You (presence) by clearly explaining a declared thesis of “Wuji er Taiji.” In a relationship between Taiji and Yin-Yang and five elements of the universe, Zhu Xi also argues that Taiji is a principle or a rule inherent in energy represented by Yin and Yang and in qualities represented by five elements instead of being a separate or independent substance from them. Theory on Taijitujie features clear rhyming couples based on dualistic contrast in its descriptive form, which is reflection of Zhu Xi’s world view and philosophical methodology. As to human theory, Zhu Xi, unlike Zhou Dun Yi, newly presents his interpretation focusing on mind-heart mind-cultivation theories. Zhu Xi’s world view ultimately suggests a philosophical ideal of the unity of heaven and human; provides infinite freedom and loft goals to ones who sympathize with and accept that ideal and; requires constant self-cultivation and practice for ideal personality.