마음에 대한 小考 — 朱熹의 心性論과 心統性情論을 中心으로 —

Abstract

This paper is to penetrate into Zhu Xi's theory of xin(心: mind) centering on his ontology summarized in the theory of xin-xing(心性: mind and nature) and his system of ti-yong(體用: substance and function) described as the theory of xin tong xing qing(心統性情). Zhu Xi(朱熹)'s theory of xin-xing is based on Mencius' doctrine of original goodness of human nature, and thus the doctrine gets to have a metaphysical system through Zhu Xi's theory of xin-xing. Nature, as the substance of heart-mind, inheres in human mind, and so mind becomes the subject that perceives nature. Zhu Xi's thoery of xin tong xing qing clarifies that on one hand the heart-mind unites nature with response, but on other hand it supervises nature and response. Which means human mind becomes the subject that can supervise response on the basis of nature. Therefore, Zhu Xi's theory of xin-xing explains ontologically that human mind, as the subject that perceives the original nature, is congenitally determined, while his formula of xin tong xing qing clarifies that each human being can be the subject of moral practice and history by their nature that they perceive in the course of their lifetime. This can provide self-confidence and the positive foundation of existence for the modern people who have doubts about humanity in the crisis in the humanities.