关于《中庸》首章“率性之谓道”朱子与茶山注释的对比硏究

Abstract

The basis for Confucian thought is the Classics represented by the Four Books and Five Classics. Whenever radical changes take place in history, there would naturally arise new interpretation on the same old Classics. The reason why Tasan interpreted the Classics from a whole new perspective is also due to his time that went through significant changes. He left a notable achievement within Korean history of Classics through his unique commentaries that synthesized the issues within theories of mind and nature with the methods from evidential studies. The main characteristic of Tasan's commentaries can be summarized as 'anti-Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucianism.' When Zhu Xi's interpretation happened to correspond to Tasan's own ideas, however, he did not hesitate to embrace it as to become a part of his philosophical framework. In Tasan's system of interpretation, therefore, there not only are 'criticisms' toward Neo-Confucianism represented by Zhu Xi, but also is 'inheritance' from them. From such a perspective, this article analyzes the difference between Tasan and Zhu Xi, especially on their commentaries of the phrase "to follow nature is called the Way(率性之謂道)" in the first chapter of the Doctrine of the Way (中庸). The analysis begot the following outcome:1. Zhu Xi saw the phrase as a kind of normative principle, while Tasan regarded it as the method of self-cultivation that would help actualize one's nature. 2. Zhu Xi saw the object of following to be the principle li which is our original nature, while Tasan interpreted it to be the innate moral mind (emotion, will) that likes good and hates evil. 3. Zhu Xi saw the Tao to be the general, normative principle common to human and things, while Tasan stressed it to be the moral rules applicable only to humans. Such differences seem to be founded upon the chasm between Zhu Xi's aim, that is to build the basis of moral metaphysics and Tasan's endeavor to bring about more actual, concrete practices on morality within our everyday, real life.