정인보 철학 사상의 기본 입장에 관한 일고찰 - 실심(實心)과 실학(實學)의 한국철학적 구상 -

Abstract

This paper explores the foundational tenets of Jeong In-bo's philosophical perspective, centering on the concepts of "silsim" (實心 sincere mind) and "silhak" (實學 practical learning). While previous studies on Jeong In-bo's philosophy have predominantly focused on Yangming learning, this paper aims to examine his philosophical ideas within the context of modern Korean philosophy. The roots of his philosophical thought can be traced back to the Ganghwa school tradition and his mentor, Lee Geon-bang. However, it was Park Eun-sik who instigated Jeong In-bo's awareness of the philosophical issues in modern Korean philosophy. Park Eun-sik proposed that to transform traditional Korean Neo-Confucianism into philosophy, the practical methods of Yangming learning should be adopted for self-cultivation. Yet, through a methodological compromise between Zhu Xi and Wang Yang-ming, Park Eun-sik's concept of "jinah" (真我 true self) evolved into a subject of recognition and practice. Jeong In-bo was significantly influenced by Park Eun-sik's "jinah" theory and philosophical methodology. Initially, he emphasized the cultivation of "bonsim" (本心 basic mind or liangzhi 良知) to underscore the moral cultivation of Yangming learning. However, he later shifted to "silsim" due to his belief that while bonsim serves as a guiding beacon for moral judgment and value-based direction, the mind requires cognitive functions for the concrete understanding and implementation of principles. The "Preface" of Miscellaneous Writings of Seongho, published in 1929, encapsulates Jeong In-bo's Korean philosophical conception centered on silhak. According to Jeong In-bo, the Korean people have delved into silhak, exploring real and practical principles through independent Joseon studies. Seongho Yi Ik is credited with officially launching such practical learning as traditional science. However, Seongho Yi Ik did not confine himself solely to the realm of science; he also ascended to the level of philosophy by embracing the principles of original substance and humanity (仁). As this principle can evoke compassion for the people, lihak (理學 principle learning) as a philosophy is encompassed within silhak. Although the overlapping relationship between lihak (philosophy) and silhak (science) bears resemblance to Joseon Neo-Confucianism, it can be seen as a robust alternative to bridge the gap between the philosophy originating from Neo-Confucianism and Western science in Park Eun-sik’s philosophical framework.