18세기 가학家學 전승과 문중서당門中書堂

Abstract

Confucianism emphasized the lineage of learning(道統) and scholastic network(學脈) for the transmission of spirit. Along with these, it regarded family scholarship(家學) as important as teacher student relationship(師承關係) in building Confucians’ academic or personal character. Family scholarship was one of important channels for the transmission of learning in the Chosun Dynasty. This study analyzed family scholarship in the Chosun Dynasty from the viewpoint of ‘transmission of lifestyle.’ For this purpose, we examined various examples of ‘family scholarship’ used in the Chosun Dynasty. According to the results, the term ‘family scholarship’ used in the Chosun Dynasty had a meaning similar to ‘family tradition(家風),’ and also implied the transmission of lifestyles such as tastes, governing philosophies, and code of conduct. Next, we examined the operating principles and actual cases of family school(門中書堂), which was a major place where family scholarship was transmitted. Family schools were established for strengthening the inner solidarity of family and transmitting family scholarship. The educational principle to be implemented through family schools was education based on Chu Hsi’s Xiaoxue(小學–Elementary Learning), namely, the acquisition of right physical and mental attitudes before learning. Given the nature of family schools, however, they could not neglect preparation for civil service examinations. In order for the family to maintain its status in the village, the school had to produce students successful in such examinations. For this reason, family schools taught proprieties and Xiaoxue and, at the same time, helped students be prepared for civil service examinations. From the 18th century, family schools were operated mainly for decent words and deeds, serious learning, and successful life through passing the civil service examination. Moreover, they paid attention to family traditions promoting peace and harmony among family members. After all, the transmission of family scholarship through the operation of family school was partly for establishing and maintaining a unique scholastic tradition of the family but its more meaningful purpose was to promote decent and elegant life attitudes as family tradition or family scholarship and hand them down through generations.