白湖 尹鑴의 <대학> 해석 — 三綱領과 格物致知의 이해를 중심으로 —

Abstract

This paper is the research of the understanding of Baekho Yun Hyu(白湖 尹鑴, 1617-1680) about the Great Learning. Yun Hyu is a scholar who succeeded Neo-Confucianism in Joseon dynasty and tried to make a creative interpretation in the seventeenth century. He critically recognized Confucianism in the central figure of Simseongron(心性論 the theory of mind and nature) at that time and aimed Confucianism with practice. Yun Hyu chose the older version of the Great Learning instead of prose commentary on the Great Learning as a text, recognized the Great Learning as learning is great, and expanded learning's prospect. Learning in this case is based on Myeongdeok(明德) which clarify human nature. Myeongmyeongdeok(明明德) is to clarify mind and nature which were originally clear with taking away things hidden and imbalanced due to worldly desires and dignity, Sinmin(新民) is to lead forward good nature and to correct bad habit at the same time, and Jieojiseon(止於至善) is the man who is practicing Myeongmyeongdeok and Sinmin, and then who reaches Seonggiseongmul(成己成物, realizing perfection for mind and nature). The understanding of Yun Hyu about the Great Learning revealed clearer characteristics than the theory of Gyeokmulchiji(格物致知). Yun Hyu interpreted Gyeokmul(格物) as Gamtong(感通) which is perceiving with feeling. Seonggyeong(誠敬, cultivating human beings for perfection anf self-realization) and Sabyeong(思辨, speculation) joined with the process of Gamtong, and then practical inclination of Confucianism got more clear. He also understood Chiji(致知) as "to perfectly and fully expand good mind of himself, and then to faithfully practice." It came to a mutual understanding with the mind for practice beyond objective recognition about thing's nature. This Gyeokmulchiji is achieved through Bakhak(博學, learning for erudition)-Simmun(審問, deep inquiry)-Sinsa(愼思, careful consideration)-Myeongbyeong(明辨 clear discernment). Gyeokmul(格物) was to sincerely practice things of Myeongdeok and Sinmin and Chiji is to perfectly practice original good mind and then to surely discern good or bad. The understanding of Yun Hyu about the Great Learning showed practical and realistic Confucianism with the spirit of times adapting Chinese Neo-Confucianism to Joseon's Confucianism.