1880년대 문명 개념의 수용과 문명론의 전개

Abstract

Civilization is an essential concept that had been generally used in Confucian society in the traditional period. Civilization indicating Confucian enlightenment served as the ideal goal that nations should achieve. Civilization was established along with development of Confucianism, and once established as a concept it played an important role in maintaining and intensifying the authority of Confucianism. Apart from the concept of civilization, a new concept of munmyeong ('civilization') was born as a translation of 'civilization' in Japan. The new concept of civilization was introduced into Joseon Dynasty in 1880s. Yu Gil-jun simply reported of the logic of civilization by Fukuzawa, and Yun Chi-ho presented a logic slightly different from that of Fukuzawa. While advocates of rapid reformation stated new logic of civilization, Hansungsunbo, a newspaper managed by moderates introduced western concept of civilization but basically adhered to the traditional concept of civilization. Discussion of civilization had been considerably changed after the Gapsin Coup: civilization or enlightenment became blasphemous words that nobody could thoughtlessly disclose. The strong pride for the tradition shown in Hansungjubo was different from the attitude of Hansungsunbo, indicating that the concept of civilization went back to the traditional one. The logic of civilization at the late 1880s was discussed by a minority of intellectuals: Yu Gil-jun, who faithfully accepted the logic of civilization by Fukuzawa, adhered to a moral view of civilization later. Morality had strong characteristics of Confucianism, but it was not always Confucian because it also indicated intellectual capacity. Yun Chi-ho, meanwhile, formed a new view of civilization during his studying in America by experiencing the actual conditions of civilized nations and accepting Christianity. What he learned was the logic of power, "Power is justice." He was easily assimilated to the western view of civilization that civilized nations should naturally instruct barbarian ones and the view of civilization by Japan that copied the western view. Park Young-hyo emphasized that Korea should be civilized by intensifying images of civilization via contrasting civilization and barbarism. His view of civilization had strong finality of breaking away from humiliation. The perception of being humiliated on oneself resulted in more adherence to western civilization.