우계 성혼의 권도론 연구

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine the Gwondo(權道) Theory by Ugye Seong Hon(成渾, 1535-1598), a representative Neo-Confucian scholar of Joseon in the 16th century, who had a great influence on the 'West Party(西人)' politicians. Gwondo is a temporary makeshift method that allows Gyeongdo(經道), the universal value standard, to be implemented according to real situations. Because it was first mentioned by Confucius and was concretized by Mencius and its necessity was recognized by Zhu Xi, no Confucian scholar denies Gwondo. However, Gwondo is a concept that works on the premise of subjectivity, and if a person fails to closely reflect on the given situation and make the right judgement, that person may deviate from Gyeongdo. This is why Zhu Xi restricted the practice of Gwondo, arguing that it can only be exercised by holy persons. Likewise, many Korean neo-Confucianists were wary of misuse of Gwondo. Consequently, they failed to utilize the strength of Gwondo as the logic of practicing universal norms in accordance with the current circumstances, actively responding to national crises, and reforming laws and institutions in accordance with the changing times. The only exception to this was when Gwondo was enthusiastically promoted in the early 17thcentury at the time when the state was faced with diverse and powerful challenges both internally and externally, and thus contributed to reforming government administration and stabilizing the livelihood of the people. It was Seong Hon, who provided the theoretical basis for the promotion of Gwondo Theory in the early 17th century. Seong Hon asserted the need for Gwondo in terms of politicians'‘Verantwortungsethik’and proposed various policies based on it. This paper analyzes the Gwondo Theory by Seong Hon and examines how it was inherited to future generations.