唐宋 문인학자의 荀子에 대한 평가 및 조선시대 순자 수용 연구

Abstract

Several literary scholars like Han Yu(韓愈), Su Shi(蘇軾), Cheng Hao(程顥), Ye Cai(葉采) in the Tang and Sung China wrote about Xun Zi, the ancient philosopher in Warring States Period. Xun Zi said “Human nature is not good.” it means there is no tendency for good behaviors in the human nature. Xun Zi’s this opinion is totally opposed to that of Mencius’, “Human nature is good.” From Han dynasty, Mencius’ opinion has been sympathized with by many literary scholars including Han Yu, Su Shi, Cheng Hao, Ye Cai. These writings have some critical opinions about Xun Zi for his lacking refineness and sharpness, and for his weird and narrow viewpoint. But, on the contrary, there are a couple of positive opinions about Xun Zi for his outstanding ability and earnest attitude. These opinions offered by some literary scholars in the Tang and Sung China were imported to Joseon and shared by Joseon’s literary scholars, so Xun Zi’s arguments were not welcomed in Joseon, either. But we can find some characteristics in Joseon’s literary scholars’ writings. Some literary scholars in Joseon have different opinions about Xun Zi/Li Si’s relations. Li Si(李斯) was an Xun Zi’s student, but later he betrayed his teacher and laid the theoretical foundations for School of Law. For this reason, Li Si has been condemned critically in Confucian traditions. and Xun Zi also has been blamed for having been his teacher. But some Joseon’s literary scholars argued Xun Zi should not be blamed for Li Si’s faults. And we can find some Joseon’s literary scholars have been interested in Xun Zi’s accomplishments in his writings. It has been accepted that, in some aspects, Xun Zi’s philosophical thoughts are one thing, and his writings another. So, in this respect, Xun Zi’s excellent writings were appreciated regardless of his philosophical thoughts, not welcomed for a long time.