南冥 曺植의 사회변혁론 : 「戊辰封事」를 중심으로

Abstract

This study is conducted to look into the origin of a critical mind of Cho Sik called a practical Confucian in detail by arranging Cho Sik’s social change theory based on 「Mujinbongsa」. The key word of Cho Sik’s social change theory shown in 「Mujinbongsa」 is ‘Rule of Virtue’’ based on completion of a king’s moral character. A king’s character completion is a starting point and a foundation to select talents and solve realistic problems. In short, the key to appointing talents, eradicating corruption, and solving all political and social problems depends upon and starts from a king’s morals. Cho Sik’s social change theory based on Rule of Virtue is criticized for its excessively theoretical and ideal aspect. However, negative effects of Hunchok politics were problems at that time and his theory could reduce the gap between human wills. The theory is also worth of notice in that it can complement and replace formalized democratic procedures even in current situations where with more designed democratic procedures to guarantee private rights, humanity- realization is getting impossible. In addition, as the ideal of Rule of Virtue serves as standards of judging and criticizing the reality, it is fully meaningful. Moreover, Cho Sik’s Rule of Virtue doesn’t put historical development process connected from Gwanhakpa to Hungupa on the basis of personal moral cultivation and understands it aims for politics based on laws and systems. It considers that such a pursuit of one side results in various political and social problems.