우계학파(牛溪學派)의 학맥과 학풍

Abstract

Trying to make himself completely fused with the truthful justice, Seong Hon valued the realization of Li (理: the universe itself, the principle of things) in the theory of Neo-Confucianism. With this academic character of his, he made efforts to realize moral politics. Such idea of his largely influenced the literary people of his age and his followers. The literary people of his age, however, rather contributed to overcoming of national crisis trying to build their minds firmly by personal practice than Neo-Confucianism style theoretical learning; and his followers tried to enhance the academic position of Neo-Confucianism or explore new academic fields while being passionate to restore the collapsed social order. The academic tradition of such literary men and followers were resulted in seven groups roughly: those who did their best to overcome the national crisis by fidelity; those who argued for enforced peace or resistance against such enforced peace; those who worked on the policy for reform; those who left their official jobs to live in retirement studying; those who tried to enhance the academic position of Neo-Confucianism; those who accepted the Study of Toigye to negotiate with their learning; and those who explored new academic fields.