류성룡의 실학적 토대로서의 경학관(經學觀) 연구

Abstract

This article argues that Ryu Seong-ryong’s position in Confucian classical learning inspired later Joseon scholars of Practical Learning (Silhak, 實學). Despite the challenges and difficulties of the late-sixteenth century Joseon, Ryu Seong-ryong tried to overcome the partisan mode of thinking and guarded against solipsism and dogmatism. He was painstakingly concerned about how to apply the principles of learning to the pressing needs of realities. In this perspective, this article inquires into his position in classical learning. Scholarship to date has mainly focused on his statecraft thought and institutional plans; as a result, his worldview and philosophical position in classical learning has been neglected. First of all, Ryu Seong-ryong’s view of classical learning differed from Zhu Xi’s (朱熹, 1130-1200) commentary; at the same time, he did not consider Wang Yangming’s (王陽明, 1472-1529) learning as being completely unorthodox although he thought Wang Yangming’s criticism fell into the fallacy of “killing the ox instead of correcting its horn.” Second, although he studied under the guidance of Yi Yi (李珥, 15092-1570), Ryu Seong-ryong’s scholarship was more tolerant toward different ideas. Instead of dogmatically following Zhu Xi’s learning, he thought that it was necessary for a scholar to produce practical results in real life. Third, with his interpretation of the Confucian Analects, he emphasized the harmonious integration of learning and practice; as to the Mencius, he articulated the idea that it w as the classic of endless reflections on the mind; as to the Book of Doctrine, he argued that the sovereignty of the mind is the source of centrality and harmony. Inclusion, this article argues that with his practical focus on the pressing issues of realities as well as his guard against the exclusivity and closeness of Neo-Confucians, Ryu Seong-ryong inspired later scholars of Practical Learning.