조선후기 글쓰기 전통에 의한 지식의 재생산 - 페르비스트의 세계지리지를 중심으로 -

Abstract

This thesis examined how intellectuals in the 18th and 19th century Choson recontextualized and reclassified the world geography described in books known to have been edited by Ferdinand Verbiest, within the traditional narrative framework. It also examines how Verbiest's World Geography, in order to be disseminated in contemporary Choson, was detached from Western intellectual frameworks, culturally reproduced as traditional writing, and consequently perceived by Choson intellectuals as "Western knowledge." World Geography, published in China, was a text produced by Jesuit missionaries to promote the coherence of Western science with Catholic doctrine. However, East Asian intellectuals imported Western geographical knowledge into existing academic categories, thereby diluting its original social and cultural contexts. This refinement reflects traditional writing practices. In 18th and 19th century Choson, Biji筆記 was utilized contemporaneously to handle expanding knowledge. Three practices were identified as follows: 1) Attribution to 'Others': Yun Dong-gyu relegated narrative works, such as Taoist myths and Buddhist narratives, which were excluded from the Confucian perspective, as "others" and refused academic engagement. 2) Reclassification: Lee Don-jung attempted to reclassify the term "Western" as a new category named "Five continents" which conflicted with the Sino-centric categorization of the Eastern concentric world. 3) Recontextualization: Lee Gyu-gyeong recontextualized Western geographical knowledge within the framework of historical knowledge or classified it as a genre of Zhi Guai based on literary characteristics. From today's perspective, the writing of late Choson world geography might seem merely an attempt to adapt or assimilate new knowledge into the existing frameworks. However, the perpetuation of existing arrangements and categories maintains cultural reproduction, making unfamiliar methods appear illogical. Therefore, observing the transformation of knowledge landscapes through translated Western geography is crucial for syntactic studies. This historical perspective of knowledge reveals and emphasizes points of change, suggesting a new perspective on the continuity of intellectual currents in academia.