溪南 崔琡民의 ‘明理之學’으로서의 心論

Abstract

Neo-Confucianists of Chosun in the 19th century theorized about the mind theory that Mind is principle(心卽理), which was distinction between their mind theory and a concept of School of Mind(心學). A concept of School of Mind signified that mind is the origin of the universe, while their mind theory maintained that mind isn't the origin of universe because of distinction between mind and nature(心性之辨). However, why did they justify the mind theory although their theory was criticized by reason of similarity between the two propositions. Their purpose could be confirmed Choe Suk-min(1837-1905)'s mind theory. He tried to theorize ‘Mind is principle’, which Ki Jung-jin(奇正鎭), his teacher, denied the proposition ‘Mind is principle’ and maintained the distinction between mind and nature. There was some reason why he insisted the mind theory against Ki Jung-jin's mind theory that Mind is material force(心是氣). First, there was a realistic agenda on the realization of Li(理) in his mind theory. In theory it made the material force(氣) always to carry out the order of Li(理). So, they believed that it was up to Li to take the realistic initiative in overcoming a national crisis. Second, it provided a sound theoretical basis to keep on their cultural styles on the moral base and system of Neo-Confucianism. The cultural styles were considered more important than Chosun dynasty. Through the ‘Mind is priciple’ theory he tried to get over his social and international difficulties. Finally, Li is principle without the realistic power, but Mind(心) has the realistic power on realization of Li according to his theory. And then he focused on Mind and tried to prove the mind theory that Mind is principle.