정약용에 의한 천(天) 개념의 변화와18세기 주자학적 질서의 비판

Abstract

Jung Yak-Yong's criticism of the Chu-tzu Theory started from his very realistic point of view. It was his belief that the reason why the ideal society of Chu-tzu sought for could not be realized in reality was because of the 'Chon(天, Heaven)' concept of Chu-tzu. The ideal society Chung Yak-Yong wanted to realize was also the society where morality was embodied. Neo-Confucianism had a serious problem that it was very dificult to operate as a motivation to practise morals in the society as the 'Chon' was rationalized as 'Ri' in its doctrine. The alternate proposal Chung Yak-Yong suggested was the recovery of the 'Chon' concept of ancient times. To him, serving 'Chon' just meant practising human morals. Chung Yak-Yong was influenced by Catholic teachings in the process of going back to ancient 'Chon' concept while criticizing the 'Ri-Ki' Theory of Chu-tzu. Chung Yak-Yong succeeded Huh Mok and Yun Hyu in the 17th century. Because of these two conflicting influences, Chung's 'Chon' theory somehow had kind of difficulties of running into logical inconsistency. His logics were to criticize the existing order and to suggest substituting measures but not to deny it. But it is also true that his theory could go forward to the stage of denial of the existing order if it is expanded further. As a matter of fact, it was Yun Ji-Chung who completely denied the existing order with the extended interpretation of the realization of morality.