정호의 생지위성(生之謂性)설 연구

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the proposition of ‘Shengzhiweixing’(生之謂性) by Cheng Hao, a scholar of the Northern Song Dynasty (北宋, 1032-1085) Shengzhiweixing is a proposition which was originated by Gaozi(告子), Cheng Hao established his own proposition of nature through this proposition. Previous studies have produced various interpretations of Shengzhiweixing, but I believe it is crucial to further explore why Cheng Hao specifically emphasized 'Shengzhiweixing' and the concept of 'Sheng'(生) which holds significance throughout his philosophical system. Therefore, this paper seeks to derive interpretation of Cheng Hao’s Shengzhiweixing that considers both ‘Sheng’ and ‘Xing’. The first task is to conduct a grammatical analysis of Shengzhiweixing and an analysis of the concept of ‘Sheng’. The concept of ‘Sheng’ encompasses various implications(‘creation/birth’, ‘life/existence’, ‘vital’.) By connecting these implications to Cheng Hao’s ontology, theory of nature and self-cultivation, a comprehensive result that encompasses the entire system can be obtained through Shengzhiweixing. Finally, Cheng Hao’s Shengzhiweixing is a result derived from the essence(本體) which is just perfect. But Cheng Hao advocated the proposition of ‘Liyoushan’e’(理有善惡), which may appear contradictory. The paper will explore the relationship between this proposition and the proposition of Shengzhiweixing and how they can be interpreted. Through this process, it is expected that an overview of Cheng Hao’s philosophy and the significance of Shengzhiweixing in his philosophy.