관료학자 李山海의 학문과 현실대응

Abstract

In the Joseon society of the mid-16th century, many scholars who were also serving as governmental officials, were beginning to progressively address social and economic problems, in quite an active fashion. Yi San Hae was one of the most memorable cases. His studies were learned from Seo Gyeong Deok, and they featured a practical nature which we can usually see from Yi Ji Ham's works. His economic philosophy and his arguments for addressing the real life problems were quite detailed, and were mostly devised to deal with the impoverished general public and the already drained dynastic treasury. He suggested that Dunjeon/屯田 garrison farms be established, and that an aggressive salt(煮鹽) policy be employed. He grew up in a coastline area, so he was naturally very eager to tap into certain maritime resources like salt. His view upon the war with the Japanese that had broken out in the 1590s(the "Imjin Wae’ran”) is also worth noticing, as he thought very highly of Weon Gyun's achievements, and argued that the Joseon navy(舟師) should be enhanced and reinforced, as the Joseon forces were able to defeat the Japanese with its naval forces. His studies, and his responses to the present, demonstrated his strength as a scholar and also a governmental official. Yet after the mid-16h century, the philosophical community of Joseon only continued to discuss the concepts of Ih and Gih(理氣論) or the issue of righteousness(義理論), so his works seem to have never received the attention that they so duly deserved. He was particularly well versed in real life economics, so his studies naturally provide us with vital information regarding the thinking patterns and thoughts of the scholars, who served as governmental officials in the middle period of the Joseon dynasty.