선비정신의 현대적 모색

Abstract

In modern Korean society it is hard to name a certain group as Seonbi(선비). In order to seek for modern meanings in Seonbi Spirit, it is absolutely needed study the Seonbi concepts historically and add it to modern society. Seonbi who combine with literary and military arts(文武) means a virtuous leader, scholar and educator who are readily to lay down his life to remain faithful to integrity. Seonbis formed the central axis in Choseon(조선) period, while they had some limits in terms of underground scholars and non-popularity(비민중성). The ideal type of Seonbi is Yuhyun(遺賢)’s Chigountaikmin(致君澤民) and practicing truth(行道) & bestowing education(垂敎) and true confucian(眞儒). Especially the idea of Yuhyun’s Chigountaikmin can be a symbol of Seonbi who dedicates himself to public equity(公道). Well-timed morality(時中之道) can be the best way for Seonbi to practice in real world. It also requires to recognize the reality actively and subjectively at all times. Thus ideal Seonbi in modern times can be defined as an intellectual who is trying to achieve public equity. However, to make public equity society, Seonbis have to overcome a lot of obstruction and resistance conducted by pseud-intellectuals(사이비 지식인) such as Hyangwon(鄕原), Yusok(流俗). Within the Hyangwon & Yusok groups, Seonbi’s actions may be withered. The ideal Seonbi Spirit in 21st century is ultimately concluded in practicing public equity. In this democratic and equal society, the return of Seonbi Spirit should be achieved not by social leaders but by democratic citizens. Simultaneously it should be done along with the steady and exact mental reforms.