順菴 安鼎福의 窮理-力行의 공부론― 『下學指南』을 중심으로

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine Kungni(窮理)-Yŏk-haeng's(力行) theory of studying Lower-Level Learning, centered on An Chŏngpok(安鼎福,1712~1791)'s Hahak chinam(下學指南). The study method he proposed allows for gradual improvement in order with the goal of learning for the sake of self-improvement(爲己之學), the study of the sage man. Based on The Mean(中庸), he designed a study theory that could lead to knowledge exploration into practice. Because he limited the scope of knowledge exploration to the everyday norms and principles of human relationships, the learning content does not go beyond the scope of elementary learning such as scattering, sweeping, and question-and-answer. The learning theory he proposed was designed to help people reach the highest level through the practice of everyday norms. Therefore, the reason he emphasized the practice of everyday norms was because it was a way to reach the highest level, not because the purpose was to practice the norms themselves. He argued that before starting learning, efforts are needed to establish moral commitment and change bad habits and attitudes. The learning process he proposed was through knowledge exploration and practice. Because he believed that a thorough search for knowledge is fundamental to practice, he was convinced that the pursuit of knowledge through reading precedes practice. The Wihak(爲學) section of the Hahak chinam commercial volume arranged chapters according to this learning order, and the Simsul(心術) section deepened the contents of the Wihak section. Therefore, the order of sections and chapters in this book is the order of learning. He stated that what is needed in the entire process of learning is an attitude of Kyŏng(敬), and that the final destination of study is the highest level of Sŏng(誠). The learning theory of Neo-Confucianism justified the norm on a metaphysical basis. But An Chŏngpok secured the rationale and norms of learning theory only within the the scope of everyday life. So he proposed a simple way of studying that was true to the original meaning of Confucianism, but also allowed you to reflect on yourself and your surroundings. This is the subject of this book: "Hahak(下學)" as the right way to study. Because of this, Hahak chinam is a book with a completely different from the Primary Learning(小學).