趙光祖의 社會改革에 관한 一考察

Abstract

Born in Hanseong(漢城) on August, 10th, 1482, Cho KwangJo whose mother was a daughter of Yeohung Minsi(驪興 閔氏) served in the Confucian shrine. At age 34, he launched into politics after passing the civil service exam in August, 1515 (the tenth year of the King JungJong) but he fell victim to the aftermath of Kimyosahwa(己卯士禍), a rebellion in November, 1519. For 4 years in office, he was not only recognized as one of the most important figures of the day but also contributed to reestablishing Confucian Philosophy which unfortunately faded away through SeJo(世祖) and Yeonsangun(燕山君). His reformist activities laid the foundation of a full-scale enforcement of sarim(士林) politics on the basis of Sungrihak(性理學) as a ruling ideology of the Chosun(朝鮮) Dynasty. A majority of several revolutionary politics of the early JungJong(中宗) period was largely led by him. This study, accordingly, places emphasis on his political activities as well as the contents of social reforms. As it is mentioned above, Cho KwangJo’s public renovation was aimed at building an ethical Confucian nation, but failed in the process. Although rich in substance, its failure arose from a lack of time as well as effective reponses against powers of resistance during its enforcement. This explains well why Cho KwangJo and sarim(士林) faction had to suffer a failure. However, his institutional and social innovation move was succeeded by Toigye Lee Hwang(退溪 李滉)(1501～1570). When sarim(士林) faction of post-SeonJo(宣祖) period dominated the government. Although the objective of his reform attempt remained unfulfilled of the age, his suggestion of model scholars and reform philosophy had certainly an influence upon the late Chosun(朝鮮) period and was, further, inherited by future innovators.