The Characteristics of the Earlier Philosophy of Han Won-jin: Major Issues in Yulgok byeoljip bucheom

Abstract

The major issues in Yulgok byeoljip bucheom 栗谷別集付籤 are as follows: firstly, the sameness of the Great Ultimate (taiji 太極) and human nature (xing 性); secondly, the sameness of the material force of heaven and earth (tiandi zhi qi 天地之氣) and the material force of father and mother (fumu zhi qi 父母之氣); thirdly, the pureness (chunshan 純善) of the mind; fourthly, the relation between moral perception (zhi 智) and sensory perception (zhijue 知覺) as essence (benti 本體) and its application (zuoyong 作用); and lastly, the sameness of subduing selfish desires (keji 克己) and returning to propriety (fuli 復禮). These issues stem from the matter of how to interpret two propositions: human nature is the combination of the principle and material force (xing he liqi 性合理氣) and the mind is material force (xin shi qi 心是氣). Han Won-jin regards the principle as the basis for moral standards and material force as value-neutral; the principle is the basis of good, and material force can appear as either good or evil in the perception process. In addition, ordinary people find it difficult to perceive properly. Thus, when the mind is trying to perceive morally, it has to rely on something. Han Won-jin tries to establish the basis of morality in the principle rather than in nature, since the effect of nature cannot be completely good. The principle as nature is not the source of moral feeling but the basis of norms. Thus, the perception of the mind cannot produce a moral response in itself, but turns into moral perception only when one’s response is monitored and practiced based on certain norms.