The Intellectual Activities and Political Tasks of Eighteenth-Century Joseon Korea: A Comparison Between Confucian Politics in Joseon and Contemporary Meritocracy
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This study explores Confucianism’s emphasis on capabilities by analyzing eighteenth-century Joseon’s scholarly debates and political dynamics, com paring Confucian meritocracy with modern concepts. The ancient Chinese system of succession, shanrang (seonyang in Korean), which valued virtue and ability, influenced the perception of Confucian politics as meritocratic. Korean kings and scholars believed that individuals with virtue and competence should hold political roles, aligning with meritocracy. However, in Confucian thought, ability was tied to contributing to community care and coexistence, contrasting with modern meritocracy’s focus on individual competition and rewards. Late Joseon scholars and kings viewed human nature as inherently public, expressed through relationships like filial piety, fraternal respect, and parental benevolence. These virtues, rooted in family, were extended to the community through Confucian rituals. Scholars stressed the importance of voluntary participation in these rituals and local political activities to foster mutual prosperity. In King Jeongjo’s era, Confucian classics, particularly Mencius’ views, guided politics and scholarship. Unlike the centralized power in the Ming dynasty, late Joseon promoted a balance of power, where King Jeongjo engaged with scholars on Confucian ideals. This collaboration helped people grow as ethical and political subjects, offering insights into ethical participation in contrast to modern meritocracy’s individualism.
Abstract
This study explores Confucianism’s emphasis on capabilities by analyzing eighteenth-century Joseon’s scholarly debates and political dynamics, com paring Confucian meritocracy with modern concepts. The ancient Chinese system of succession, shanrang (seonyang in Korean), which valued virtue and ability, influenced the perception of Confucian politics as meritocratic. Korean kings and scholars believed that individuals with virtue and competence should hold political roles, aligning with meritocracy. However, in Confucian thought, ability was tied to contributing to community care and coexistence, contrasting with modern meritocracy’s focus on individual competition and rewards. Late Joseon scholars and kings viewed human nature as inherently public, expressed through relationships like filial piety, fraternal respect, and parental benevolence. These virtues, rooted in family, were extended to the community through Confucian rituals. Scholars stressed the importance of voluntary participation in these rituals and local political activities to foster mutual prosperity. In King Jeongjo’s era, Confucian classics, particularly Mencius’ views, guided politics and scholarship. Unlike the centralized power in the Ming dynasty, late Joseon promoted a balance of power, where King Jeongjo engaged with scholars on Confucian ideals. This collaboration helped people grow as ethical and political subjects, offering insights into ethical participation in contrast to modern meritocracy’s individualism.
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