『다와레구사(たはれ草)』에 나타난 아메노모리 호슈(雨森芳洲)의 ‘리(理)’

Abstract

In this study, we pay special attention to the expressions of “reason” employed in Tawaregusa to analyze the ways in which these expressions are used to represent learning, politics, language, and culture. Our main findings are as follows. Firstly, Hoshu Amenomori expounded the concept of “格物致知”(the principle of pursuing the reason and nature of things and leading to the understanding of them), its underlying reasons of “knowledge” and “practice,” the right of Tadataka, and the right of understanding in learning. Secondly, About politics, Hoshu emphasized the importance of “the Three Essential Virtues” consisting of “justice,” “clarity,” and “martial arts” by discussing “the Three Sacred Treasures”. Also, he stated that politics should be conducted not by scholars but by wise politicians. Thirdly, he stated that the language of each country emerges from the reason of nature, and also pointed out the three difficulties concerning the learning of the Chinese language, which reveals his linguistic erudition. Fourthly, he discussed culture, raising his concerns about the nation and households based on the “falling cherry blossom” reason of nature and taking music and poem as examples to expound the reason of nature and the necessity of conforming to the state-of-affairs of the country and the era. These points clearly indicate Hoshu’s recognition of diverse cultures.