비극에 대처하는 유학자들의 사유에 관한 시론(試論) — ‘공감의 연대’와 ‘중화(中和)의 확장’을 중심으로 —

Abstract

The purpose of the text is to explore how the tragic situation in the Confucian thinking and lifestyle is understood and overcome. Especially, Disaster of SEWOL ferry and its related events are at the center of the discussion. The bitterness of the victims of Disaster of SEWOL ferry raises consciousness of conscience and moral awareness of the community. In this text, the materials of Confucianism are applied to specific tragedies of the Disaster of SEWOL ferry, and inquire the methodology that Confucian who meet the tragedy interpret and generalize his tragic situation. The tragic themes found in Confucianism show that Confucianism does not require people to be stoic or intelligent. The driving force to accept, overcome, and heal tragedy as a universal event can be found in 'A solidarity of empathy' based on 'Holism of Nature[萬物一體]'. Furthermore, in the case of Disaster of SEWOL ferry, I consider how to understand the concept of 'Expansion of Moderation[中和]'. Study about 'Expansion of Moderation[中和]' should extend beyond the discipline of personal sensitivity to the recovery of the community level. In conclusion, Confucianism should respond to the contemporary tragedy with timeliness and desperation, and Confucian scholars should look for what they can do against the worldwide hatred and violence.