다산 정약용의 『상서』 재해석과 현능론 －왕도의 사공(事功)과 고적(考績)－

Abstract

The Book of History(尙書) was a scripture that documented the principles of government in the era of Yao and Shun. Towards the end of his life, Jeong Yak-yong sought to uncover the principles of effective governance through a new interpretation of the Shangshu. He believed that the empirical study of historical facts was crucial to reforming the corrupt state of Joseon. Through his extensive study of the Shangshu, Jeong Yak-yong deduced that the successful policies of Yao and Shun were the result of appointing wise officials to govern the state and achieving the enrichment of the people, especially when capable and virtuous officials were given the opportunity and authority to excel and were meticulously evaluated for their achievements. Jeong Yak-yong argued that kings like Yao and Shun not only had the ability to recognise wise and virtuous individuals, but also the ability to respect and support them in their endeavours. The system of rewards and punishments, especially as a result of rigorous performance evaluations, was essential to maintaining meritocracy among bureaucrats. The achievements of wise and capable officials naturally led to the improvement of the people’s welfare. Jeong Yak-yong envisioned a Joseon that required cooperation between the monarch and his wise and capable subjects, particularly through the appointment of a wide range of competent officials regardless of status or region, along with the central role of the governor(chancellor), who supervised and controlled numerous officials. King Jeong-jo aspired to be a “king like the moonlight on a thousand rivers”, ruling the nation in harmony with the people, not just the bureaucrats. To realise the king’s vision, Jeong Yak-yong proposed the identification of competent bureaucrats and the implementation of a comprehensive evaluation system as a means of rejuvenating Joseon. This was Jeong Yak-yong’s “grand plan[謀]” for national reconstruction. He stressed that the exemplary governance of the Yao and Shun era was the result of appointing wise bureaucrats and recognising their achievements. He hoped that such capable individuals would be able to participate in governance regardless of their status or political affiliation. In particular, Jeong Yak-yong considered himself to be one of these capable bureaucrats.