퇴계의 교육론에서 리(理)의 세계관

Abstract

This study aims to examine the worldview upon which Toegye’s education theory is based. Toegye systematically organizes his educational theories in his magnum opus, Seonghaksipdo (聖學十圖; The Ten Diagrams on Sage Learning). In his educational theories mainly presented in “Sohakdo” (小學圖; Diagram of the Elementry Learning) and “Daehakdo” (大學圖; Diagram of the Great Learning), he proposes “Taegeukdo” (太極圖; Diagram of the Supreme Ultimate) and “Seomyeongdo” (西銘圖; Diagram of the Western Inscription) as the worldview his educational theories are originated from and grounded upon. Therefore, interpreting “Taegeukdo” and “Seomyeongdo” in the context of Toegye's educational theories can lead us to see how his worldview is related to education theory. Toegye presents a worldview centered on li (理; principle) through “Taegeukdo” and “Seomyeongdo”. His worldview differs from the existing Confucian worldview in that it gives activeness to the metaphysical thing, li. In his worldview, humans have possibilities of education in that they can recognize this li. Toegye's li-centered worldview integrates the natural order and the social order, thereby making the realization of li as humans nature that of an ideal society. In a society that exists organically through li, everyday life is a field in which li is active. Also, education is a process of realization and expansion of li through individuals and it is a means of realizing an ideal society in which li is fully realized. Toegye's worldview suggests that even when his educational theory is interpreted with a focus on individual discipline, the organic relationship with the whole society should always be premised as the basis of his theory.