조선전기 『중용』이해와 퇴계 『중용석의中庸釋義』의 해석 특징

Abstract

This essay desired to elucidate the analytical characteristic of the Mean seen in Toegye's Commentary of the Mean based on the understanding of the Mean in the early period of the Joseon Dynasty. Toegye regarded the Mean as work which brightens the way and conveys mind motto, the Great Learning as study which enters into virtues through moral cultivation. And he understood study of the Great Learning, which contains that one possesses virtues through study of reverence, as a process of study for the purpose of light of way of the Mean. While selecting and criticizing several interpretations of Song Dynasty about the original of the Mean focusing Chu-hsi, Toegye interpreted the Mean by applying the viewpoints of cultivating theory and metaphysical ontology of Neo-Confucianism. Because Toegye inherits viewpoint of Chu-hsi's interpretation of the Mean, it can be said that he put the accent on direction amounting to upwards by cultivating the way. In Toegye's philosophy, sincerity of natural principle or the way of Heaven is the transcendental basis on which it is possible to cultivate one's mind through reverence. Natural principle as these metaphysical moral basis forms the ultimate basis for moral cultivation through reverence in Toegye's philosophy. Summing up, it can be said that the sight from which Toegye interpreted the Mean places emphasis on direction firmly embodying metaphysical moral basis by going up natural principle through study of cultivation like this.