환웅의 홍익인간 이념 재해석과 생태학적 공생 가치

Abstract

This study aims to point out several problems in the existing theory of Hongik Human (humanitarianism) and reinterpret the humanitarian ideal based on the achievements of Hwanwoong, the main agent of this ideology. Further, the study identifies the value of ecological symbiosis from the perspective of bon-puri (Korean shamanic narratives or mythology) concept of history, and applies its usefulness to the post-human era. Since Hwanwoong, the son of the king of heaven, descended from heaven to earth to practice the spirit of humanitarianism. By retracing and analyzing his activities on earth, the true meaning of humanitarianism can be interpreted. The meaning will be discussed through both holistic interpretation based on the narratives of historical records related to the Hwanwoong bon-puri and analytical interpretation based on his specific activities. From a holistic point of view, gods, humans, and animals in the Hwanwoong bon-puri exist relatively, but are all cyclical beings whose existence alternates between the three categories of entity. In the next life, the god may live as a human; an animal may live as a human; and a human may live as the god, freely crossing the boundaries between the three entities. Therefore, the essence of humanitarianism is that humans, gods, and animals are not differential but equal in relations by interacting with one another in a symbiotic manner. From an analytical point of view, Hwanwoong practiced the spirit of sustainable symbiosis by adapting to the changing climate while controlling the wind and rain, doing farming in a symbiotic relationship with nature, and protecting the globe as a global village where all living creatures were connected to each other. When foreign immigrants, symbolized as the bear and tiger, came to Hwanwoong, not only did he help them get what they wanted on their side, but even when Ungnyeo (bear woman) asked him to marry her, he granted her wish after transforming into a human being, ultimately achieving a true symbiosis by breaking the barrier between the god and the animal. The generalization of the value of symbiosis implied in humanitarianism expands to the idea of ‘humanitarian global village’: dedicating yourself to benefit all things in heaven and earth. Our global village is now facing a technological crisis in the context of ‘Singularity’ as well as an ecological crisis in the context of ‘Anthropocene’. If the crucial point of Singularity is reached in the future, considerable advances in artificial intelligence(AI) would far surpass human abilities; thus, humans could no longer keep AI under control. This state of emergency would inevitably lead to the advent of post-human era during which AI would be the dominant influence. The number of post-human populations, such as cyborgs and androids, would be growing quickly, and thus humans, who are of relatively low intelligence and physically weak, would inevitably give way to post-humans. Humans might be driven out of their jobs and get under the control of cyborgs and androids. In that sense, the only way to prevent such a grim future for humanity is to realize symbiosis as the highest value. Humans’ pursuit of symbiosis with other living creatures can be applied to deep learning for AI because AI can learn the values sought by humanity. Therefore, instead of treating androids like servants, we should provide them with personality rights and find ways to have a symbiotic relationship with them as electronic personhood. Consequently, the ideology of humanitarianism, where symbiosis among humans, gods, and animals is valued, should be developed as an idea to overcome the ecological crisis, as well as an alternative to practice symbiosis between humans and electronic personhood in the future post-human era.