안원(顔元)을 통해 본 ‘복고(復古)’와 ‘창신(創新)’의 사유 -공자(孔子)와 안원 교육관의 비교를 중심으로-

Abstract

‘Restoration' and 'creation' are two different contradicting concepts. However, these two concepts have been argued about interchangeably from ancient times in Chinese history. Also, the subjects to be recovered through restoration were always three generations and Confucian institution. The actual goal of 'restoration' was in practice the culture and institutions of the very Chou dynasty where Confucius lived. If so, since 'creation' or 'reformation' in China is sought for ideal period of antiquity after all, is the argument of the Western powers proven right that the China before modernity could not develop by themselves because they fix their vision to the past instead of the future? This article was initiated from such consciousness of problem and has the purpose to clarify that in Chinese history, 'creation' could not fully implement the value of restoration. Confucius and Yan Yuan were appropriate ideologists for analysis to that end. The two are common in that they are defined as educators oftentimes. Also, a comparison of Confucius who is located at the starting point of 'restoration' and Yan Yuan who is near the terminal point of 'creation' will vividly illustrate the reality of 'creation through restoration' which is repeated periodically in Chinese history. First, the education perspectives and education systems of Confucius the goal of 'restoration' were classified into several types. Next, through comparative examination of the education policies of Yan Yuan for it, the gaps of 'restoration' and 'creation' that have no other way but contradiction were identified one by one. The above discussions are apart from the questions if on that condition 'restoration' is indeed something valuable, and if ideal society can be built once 'restoration' is realized.