인물성동이논쟁과 환경윤리

Abstract

Horak (湖洛) debate is one of the most important philosophical disputes of the late Joseon Dynasty. One of the main issues in the Horak debate is whether the nature of animals is the same or different from the nature of man. Horon (湖論) contends that the nature of animals is not the same as that of man. Because man is endowed with the Five Virtues (五常) as nature from Heaven while only few animals are endowed with one of the Five Virtues according to the quality of their qi (氣). In contrast, Nakron (洛論) takes the position of claiming that animals also share the same nature of principle as man. Although both man and animals are equally endowed with the nature of Five Virtues, animals' realization of the Five Virtues is restricted according to the quality of qi with which they are born. The point of the dispute is on how the meaning of (original) nature is understood. Horon understands nature from three perspectives. First, from the perspective of pure principle, the nature of both man and animals is the same. Second, looking at principle with relation to qi, man's nature is not the same as that of animals. Third, from the perspective of principle mixed with qi, not only is man's nature not the same as that of animals, but each man's nature is different according to the quality of qi each is endowed with. Horon considers the second perspective to be true (original) nature, that the (original) nature is different between man and animals. Nakron explains nature from two perspectives. The first perspective is of one original root in which the nature of both man and animals is the same. All living beings are endowed with the principle of Five Virtues. The second perspective involves diverse embodiment: Not only is man's nature not the same as that of animals, but every human being's nature is also different according to the quality of qi of each individual. Nakron perceives (original) nature from the first perspective, and regards nature is the same between man and animals. Horon does not agree with sharing the Five Virtues with animals, because the Five Virtues are noble values that make man a moral being. For Horon, cow's nature is in just plowing. And the nature of a horse is in just galloping. But for Nakron, not only are human being but also all animals are endowed with the same principle of Five Virtues. In the perspective of Nakron, animals should not be cruelly treated as a means by human beings because they, too, have been endowed with the Five Virtues. Rather, animals should be respected by human beings. In terms of environmental ethics, Nakron's view on the nature of animals is more in line with animal rights advocates than Horon's view.