退溪≪传习录论辩≫分析 (퇴계의 ≪전습록논변(傳習錄論辯)≫ 분석)

Abstract

Yi Toegye’ academic system can be conveniently and strictly called “learning-sage”, while Wang Yangming’s system can be called “knowing-sage”. According to Aristotle’s Theory on “Four causes”, we can conclude that the material cause of Yi Toegye’s learning-sage is “Ten Diagrams of Sage-learning”, the formal cause is adherence to the moral law and the will to knowledge, the efficient cause is holding in awe and veneration, the final cause is learning-sage. We can also conclude that the material cause of Wang Yangming’s knowing-sage is the mind of sage, the formal cause is the intellectual intuition, the efficient cause is philosophical insights, the final cause is knowing-sage. Thus, we can distinguish the differences of two systems. Eliminating the difference between two systems remains a mere theoretical possibility. If we try to understanding Yangming’s studies within learning-sage, misunderstanding is inevitable. Within the learning-sage, the mind is mainly finite, while the other is infinite. Finally, we can respond to other questions of Yi Toegye’s On Chuanxilu.