면우 곽종석 性論의 특징과 의의-偏全之性에 대한 主理的 해석을 중심으로-

Abstract

This paper examines the characteristics and significance of Kwak Jongseok's theory of nature with a focus on his Li-based interpretations of "Pyeonjeonjiseong(偏全之性)." One of the characteristics of Kwak's theory of nature is that he interprets Pyeonjeonjiseong in the old category of physical nature by expanding it to original nature as well as distinguishing it from physical nature. Integrity and deviation, two opposite attributes of Ki, are physical concepts and, at the same time, have a value concept projected onto them. Kwak, however, merely uses them as physical concepts ontologically and does not put a value concept in them. As far as he is concerned, Pyeonjeonjiseong cannot be mentioned as physical nature to imply differences between good and evil even though it is nature related to Ki. In this aspect, he moves further to the stage of expanding Pyeonjeonjiseong to the original nature of innate goodness with moral implications. Of course, one cannot point to only Li in Pyeonjeonjiseong and call it original nature due to the relation of Li-Ki inseparable, immiscible. However, Kwak is characteristic to define original nature under the ontological condition of immiscible Li-Ki. He thus maintains that even animals have the Five Constant Virtues, which represent the specific content of original nature in addition to human beings. He distinguishes Pyeonjeonjiseong from physical nature and further expands it to original nature in order to verify the presence of innate goodness not separated from reality. That is, he does not neglect the need to define Pyeonjeonjiseong around Li containing the essential meanings of nature in his explanations about it while missing no realistic contexts of Ki beyond pointing to just Li and accordingly original nature. Kwak's Li-based theory of nature also agrees with the logic of the theory of "Mind is principle," which sees mind and nature as one.