四書의 심성론적 연구

Abstract

In this paper, I'd like to study of four books from the perspective of the doctrine of human nature. Confucius & his successor(four books) regarded human-being and human nature(人性) with importance more than any other schools at the time. It is known that Confucius was the first one to present the doctrine of human nature in the history of Chinese Philosophy. Confucius said, “By nature, human-being are nearly alike; by practice, human-being get to be wide apart.” C onfucius’s successor spread the doctrine of human nature's nature to block heterodoxy after succeeding the theory by Confucius. The Great Learning said : “What the Great Learning teaches, is -- to illustrate illustrious virtue; to renovate the people; and to rest in the highest excellence.” The Doctrine of the Mean said : “What Heaven has conferred is called The Nature(性); an accordance with this Nature is called The Way(道) ; the regulation of this Way is called Teaching(敎).” Mencius was the founder to present the doctrine of human nature systematically in the history of Confucianism. He said : “He who has exhausted all his mind knows his human nature. Knowing his human nature, he knows Heaven. To preserve one's mind, and nourish one's human nature, is the way to serve Heaven.” Confucius & his successor’s four books was interpreted and reestablished by Chu Hsi.