『소학』의 修養論과 治癒的 讀法의 모색 -兒童敎育을 중심으로-

Abstract

This study started with particular questions. Is a modern succession of classics possible? If so, how can the succession be made?. Based on these questions, the study put its purpose on determining which points of 『Sohak』 are applicable to modern child education, especially in relation to personal character. The acceptance of 『Sohak』 in Joseon had something to do with the nation’s introduction or development of Confucian civilization. In Joseon, specifically, intellectuals employed 『Sohak』 as disciplinary guidelines for daily life and, thereon, began to put their lenses on the lives of individuals that were members of society as a whole. Since then, people of the country drew out essential ideas of practical discipline from 『Sohak』, and the ideas became the very basis of practical ethics. This implies that there could be some points where 『Sohak』 and modern child education are associated with each other. Today, child education often puts its first priority on leading children to settle socially desirable basic habits in their life. This is why 『Sohak』 as a classic literature on discipline may be now given a new meaning, for the literature is potentially in harmony with modern child education. The contents of 『Sohak』, especially those of its two sections like 「Gyeongsin」 and 「Myeongryun」 have much in common with contents related to basic life that are provided by modern child education. In this sense, it is time to read 『Sohak』 in a different way other than before. So far, 『Sohak』 has usually been read for the purpose of extracting ethical ideas. But now, a new different reading of the classic literature is needed for the purpose of contributing to readers’ establishment of self-esteem. The new reading is often referred to as ‘healing reading’, by which this study could reach a conclusion that 『Sohak』 provides critical points which emphasize the establishment of self and interpersonal relations on the basis of self-regulation is the key to socialization. However, those points are still in the stage of discussion. Further research should be made, this study hopes.