星湖 李瀷의 大學觀

Abstract

This paper analyzes Seongho Lee Ik(星湖 李瀷)'s views on The Great Learning(大學) focusing on his Daehakjilseo(大學疾書: The Great Learning Brief). It is well known that Seongho is a leading figure in Korean Practical Philosophy in the late Chosun period as a founding father of the school of Gyeongsechiyong(經世致用: the attitude that prioritizes the practical purposes of learning). Less well known is that he was also quite a scholar in Neo-Confucian Studies publishing Sachilsinpyeon(四七新篇) and in Chinese classics studies through his Jilseo series(疾書類) including Maengjajilseo(孟子疾書). Yet the primary object of study for Seongho remains Gyeongsechiyong. He strongly criticized studies on Chinese classics that blindly followed classics or that only sought the principles and origins with the metaphysical attitude. He was also a severe critic on studies only for Gwageo(科擧: the test to become an official). His attitude towards study and his views on the classics studies focused on Gyeongsechiyong which would be achieved in the following order: pursuing of the classics(窮經) → skepticism(懷疑) → search for principles(本源探究) → self acquisition of knowledge(自得) → practical acquisition of knowledge(實得) → practical contribution(實用). He showed his original interpretations even in his readings of The Great Learning. He commented heavily on every works of Daehakjanggu(大學章句), Gyeongiljang(經一章) and Jeonsipjang(傳十章) but Jeonsajang(傳四章) after detailed analyses. Especially what constituted of his characteristic interpretation of The Great Learning is his view that "The Great Learning was originated from The Book of Changes." He used The Book of Changes in explaining The Great Learning.