嵇康의 意識構造에 관한 考察 - 내ㆍ외재적 도덕개념을 중심으로 -

Abstract

Ji Kang defines human nature as nature. When the essence of nature comes to the realization, everything follows the law of nature, creating a harmonious society where everyone is satisfied. As the development of a society increases secular desires which cause social problems, edification means like Ren yi(仁义) and Li jiao(礼教) emerges. He criticizes, however, that means created another social ills and so he argues only right thing to do is to recover the human nature and go back to the nature. Ji Kang's view of personality seems to be similar to the theory that human nature is good, but he's actually against both theories that human nature is good and it is bad. He thinks human is in between the two theories. He does not see good and evil as something permanent but something that can be converted into each other. Caring for life is critical process in being converted into good from evil. He believes personality can become good through the means of nourishing one's nature. Ji Kang argues real wealth and rank is not worldly honor, status or money, but ‘Yi Zu’ meaning that you achieve the satisfaction of your mind in your heart. Since worldly wealth and honor cannot help achieve real satisfaction we should find utmost joy within ourselves. This perspective shows his will that defied and resisted Si Ma Shi power. Si Ma Shi political power claimed to advocate moral principles but they converted truth into false. Ji Kang sees the power as fake moral principles. Because of his perspective, Ji Kang focuses on individual mind rather than political system or social ethics. He seeks for reaching free world through pure spirit without greed in life where human nature and nature become one. Instead of focusing on superficial values like honor, s ocial status or money, he sees ‘Yi Zu’ as the utmost good.