朱子의 도덕철학에서 ‘氣强理弱’의 의의 고찰

Abstract

This study illustrates the meaning of ‘Qi-qiang Li-ruo(氣强理弱)’ in the zhu-zi’s moral philosophy. The ‘Qi-qiang Li-ruo’ is zhu-zi’s original concept, based on the Li-Qi theory. Its ideological context is in the theory which explains the relationship between ‘Ben-ran zhi xing(本然之性)’ and ‘Qi-zhi zhi xing(氣質之性).’ According to Zhu-zi, The ‘Ben-ran zhi xing’ is ‘Li(理)’ as the reason and basis for human existence; and it is a moral principle. On the other hand, the ‘Qi-zhi zhi xing’ is the realistic human nature of ‘Li’ inherent in ‘Qi(氣)’. In this Zhu-zi’s perspective, ‘Li’ should always be explained together with practical ‘Qi’ or ‘Qi-zhi(氣質).’ This view of Li-Qi theory is not framework of ‘Bu xiang za(不相雜, split)’, but ‘Bu xiang li(不相離, union)’. The ‘Qi-qiang Li-ruo’ concept is explained in the context of this framework. The ‘Qi’ exists based on the inherent ‘Li,’ and it is a subject that proactively executes the commands of the ‘Li’. In the real world, the best of excellent ‘Qi’ is just the ‘Xin(心)’ of human. This ‘Xin’ is a moral being with ‘Li’ or ‘Xing(性)’, and is the subject of moral life living according to moral commands. In addition, whether or not the moral command of ‘Li’ is fulfilled depends only on ‘Xin’ or ‘Qi’, the subject of moral practice because, the ‘Li’ always relies on ‘Qi’ to reveal its moral value in real world. In this way, the ‘Xin’ or ‘Qi’ is the subject of reality life, free from the moral commands of ‘Li’. And yet, because ‘Xin’ is the domain of ‘Qi’, it is influenced by the bias of ‘Qi-zhi’ and can disobey the command of ‘Li’ and flow into evil. Therefore, Zhu-zi argued for a change in ‘Qi-zhi’ that had a bad effect on ‘Xin’, and emphasized the moral cultivation. This is the meaning of the moral practice of ‘Qi-qiang Li-ruo’.