沈大允의 『周禮刪正』과 王道論에 관한 硏究

Abstract

Baekun Sim Dae-yun(1806～1872)’s books pertaining to science of governing the society include Jeongbeopsurok (Right Law Theory), Heumseobangnon (Refutation of Heumheumsinseo) as a refutation dissertation on Jeong Yak-yong’s Heumheumsinseo (A Proposal on Criminal Code), and Commentary on the Rites of Zhou. Notably, Commentary on the Rites of Zhou, alongside Yegijeongseo (Correct Interpretation of Book of Rites) and Uiyejeongnon (Right Interpretation of Etiquette and Ceremonials), was written right before Sim Dae-yun died (completed at 67, February 1872; died in July of that year). As such, it offers the essence of the 19th century Confucian Theory of King’s Way, namely, the right way of Susin Jega Chiguk Pyeongcheonha (修身·齊家·治國·平天下 meaning To achieve societal peace and prosperity, there must be harmony in the family, which, in turn, hinges on the cultivation of individuals who possess good moral values). Sim Dae-yun indicates that the existing Confucian scripture Rites of Zhou too excessively describes unnecessary and unuseful things, in light of the former king’s political systems and civilizations, and decides that the book is not an authentic book of Zhou Gong. But considering that the book contains important rites and civilizations, and leaves partial influence of the former king, Sim Dae-yun deletes unpractical and irrational teachings, leaves only the former king’s true intentions, and adds his right interpretation to it. He hopes that next-generation scholars will take the Commentary on the Rites of Zhou as a model, will not be distracted by the Way of Susin Jega Chiguk Pyeongcheonha, and will explore the right teachings of the 19th century Confucian Theory of King’s Way. Commentary on the Rites of Zhou states through the Theory of King’s Way that people should stand tall in the implementation of the policy of uniting the state, subjects and people. Specifically, the 19th century people, as a member of the policy decision-making function, alongside the king and his subjects, are perceived as discrete, rational, autonomous and intelligent beings, thereby entitling to the strict application of laws. The book emphasizes that the time has come when the state should allow excellent and intelligent rich merchants - who can supply food to poor people - to emerge. This is because the people’s richness is directly linked to the wealthiness of the state and the king. Sim Dae-yun goes on to claim that, in order to practice the authentic Confucian Theory of King’s Way in the 19th century, general public’s sentiment or public opinions should be guaranteed to be reflected in the state’s policy decision making. As discussed above, Sim Dae-yun’s the 19th century Confucian Theory of King’s Way seeks to reform and improve the then feudal society characterized by political and social absurdities, so as to establish a new and better Joseon in the future. As such, Sim Dae-yun’s Commentary on Rites of Zhou is profound in Korea’s history of Confucian thoughts.