『맹자』 ‘心學’의 이론적 근거

Abstract

This paper is to explore theoretical foundation for reconstructing the core of Mencius's philosophy into mind theory. Mencius clearly showed human being's Goodwill through the theory that human nature is fundamentally good or the theory of goodness of human nature at the start of life. Especially, looking into the way of life in mind or function and role, he initiated theoretical foundation for mind theory. As for reconstructing mind theory from Mencius's philosophy, this research investigated theoretical foundation for mind theory on the basis of argument about the letter "mind" that appears about 120 times in the book Mencius throughout 46 chapters. Mencius considered mind having nature from the beginning but itself is not the aggregate of Goodness. Mind, however, takes an original role which shows a key of morals as possibility of Goodness. Particularly, showing himself through In Ui Ye Ji(仁義禮智, perfect virtue, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom) as Sa Dan(四端, four truths), and realizing order of nature on the basis of reflecting Cheon In Hap Il(天人合一, uniting both human beings and Heaven), it secures the rule of people's society. In addition, mind presents behavior criterion in dimension of role and function. If mind is attracted to things outside, it goes to end of a selfish mind or mind of distorted type full of an evil mind. However, mind approaches nature and emotion as it's expression and activity, secures foundation to run and control it. The role and function of this mind complete its duty through Neung Sa(能思) as capacity of thinking. Moreover, it thinks possibility which could be good and aims Dae In(大人, an ideal human model) through its keeping and expansion. Dae In is both Gun Ja(君子, man of virtue) and Dae Jang Bu(大丈夫, worthy and strong man). This mind theory based on true nature or function of mind focuses on how one cultivates, keeps, applies mind in reality. Thus, it could be arranged in educational dimension of keeping and cultivation of mind as inner edification.