退溪와 陽明의 修養論 비교를 통한 朝鮮朝 陽明學의 未擴散 원인 고찰

Abstract

This paper compared perspective of Yi Toegy and Wang Yang-ming on the problems of knowledge and practice. It came out that Yi Toegye’s contention and criticism overlooked the stage of research of good through comparison. And it was inferred that practicability in Yi Toegye’s self-discipline theory was one of causes why Wang Yang-ming failed to spread out in the 16th Century Chosun Dynasty. In other words, since the philosophy of Wang Yang-ming puts emphasis on inherent knowledge and skips the stage of research of good and neglects gaining knowledge by the study of things which means quest for objective knowledge, it was criticized by Yi Toegye. However, there are some similarities between them: ethical nature of human being in which Yi Toegye emphasized is similar to inherent knowledge suggested by Wang Yang-ming. And Yi Toegye emphasized the practice in everyday life, Wang Yang-ming stressed prompt practice in work and behavior in everyday life as well too. Therefore, scholars during Joseon period opposed the philosophy of Wang Yang-ming in terms of knowledge whilst it was similar with philosophy of Yi Toegye in the respect of practice. There was no need to conduct research on philosophy of Wang Yang-ming for them. Self-discipline theory by Yi Toegye and Wang Yang-ming is established on the respective discipline and life experiences. With respect to life and experience of Yi Toegye and Wang Yang-ming, it can be understood that Wang Yang-ming acknowledge that knowledge and practice are separated logically. And it’s understandable why Yi Toegye made his study separating the knowledge and practice though he practiced discipline consistently regardless of when nothing happens or something happened.