尤庵 宋時烈의 “中節”說 淺析

Abstract

According to Song’s opinion, everything existing in the world is based on Li (理), but Li has no shape and doesn't do anything. Therefore, Li can realize itself only with Gi (氣), which is the subject of the movement. In this way, Li and Gi interact to form the phenomenal world and its objects. Therefore, the phenomenon object is distinguished from the Li and Gi. What is revealed as a result is different from the that which resulted in it. This logic works more heavily to emphasize the necessity of self-cultivation practice. The origin of either the Four-beginnings, the Seven-feelings, the Human-mind (人心) or the Principle-mind (道心), which are already manifested, is not important. Regardless of where it comes from, what matters is whether it has been properly realized. If not properly realized, the Four-beginnings can be evil, and if properly realized, the Human-mind can also be a moral practice. In this way, Song's theory of “conforming to the rules” is a claim which emphasizes the need for self-cultivation. But Song's theory of “conforming to the rules” emphasizes the realization of Li by Gi, weakens the idea that Li is the basis, and made the mistake of treating the three on the same level by separating the phenomenon object from the Li and Gi. What's even more serious is that it makes one judge not only one’s general feelings, but even one’s moral feelings, only by the results. However, the Four-beginnings, which is an immediate manifestation of the moral mind, can be have problem of effectuality, because it is evidence of natural goodness. Since the Principle-mind is also based on latent morality, the Human-mind refers to natural needs, it is not directly linked to effectuality. Theory of “conforming to the rules”, which judging all these concepts only if they are reasonably realized, seems that it is difficult to adequately respond to the fundamental spirit of Confucianism.