최한기 기학(氣學)체계에서 실용주의적 사상형성 과정에 관한 일고찰

Abstract

This paper could be called a preliminary discussion to analyze the pragmatic features of Chi-Hak of Choi Han-gi(1803~1877) who was a philosopher in the 19th century and late period of Joseon Dynasty. Choi Han-gi's Chi-Hak which has been assessed to present the creative philosophical system which cannot be found previously in tradition of Chi-philosophy was established through combination of success to the fundamental principle of tradition of Confucianism and accommodation of the western scientific knowledge. He embraced the concept of materials of western science as a Chi and established a new concept of Chi. It could be summarized as ‘SinChi(神氣) which was a continuous movement and change(UnWha(運化)) of materiality(有形)’. The reality of Chi can be recognized through experience of sensory organs by incoming the Chi which was an existence source of the world into the range of experiences rather than transcending the world of experience. This was based on the accommodation of the Western natural scientific knowledge which was quantified by using a variety of equipments. However, ultimate goal to pursue the empirical knowledge was placed on the practical use in the horizon of human social life and the method of perception of ‘Chu-Cheuk(推測)’ that he devised acknowledged something which could be experienced in the world of life as the true recognition. These pragmatic natures were based on the academic attitudes of traditional Confucianism and arose from criticism on the contradictions of contemporary reality and the helpless sense of discipline.