중용 치중화致中和의 공효 실현 과정에 대한 율곡과 다산 해석의 현대적 함의

Abstract

This paper is an overview of the interpretations of Yulgok Yi Yi(李珥) and Dasan Jeong Yak-yong(丁若鏞) on the verse “When the mean and harmony are actualized, Heaven and Earth are in their proper positions, and the myriad things are nourished”(致中和, 天地位焉萬物育焉.) found in Chapter 1 of Joongyong(『中庸』). Through an overview of this nature, the characteristics of Yulgok and Dasan’s interpretations can be examined, and furthermore, some meanings applicable to modern day issues can be found. Zhuxi’s annotations state that Heaven and Earth, all myriad phenomena, and the self are as one body. Therefore, if one straightens their mind and smooths out their qi(氣), they can attain the efficacy of ‘Heaven and Earth are in their proper positions’(天地位) and ‘the myriad things are nourished’(萬物育). He presented this logic based on his concept that ‘all things in the world are one body’(萬物一體) and additional reasoning from his theory of qi. Yulgok took up the same logical methods as Zhuxi, yet he revealed a difference by presenting a theory of ‘Mutual Participation between Heaven and Human Being’(天人交與) rather than a theory of ‘all things in the world are one body’. On the other hand, Dasan criticized the theory of ‘all things in the world are one body’ and argued that its efficacy can be realized through the statuses and political actions of the monarch and prime minister. Compared to Yulgok’s ideological interpretation, Dasan highlighted realistic and empirical tendencies. I believe Yulgok’s theory of ‘Mutual Participation between Heaven and Human Being’ can be reinterpreted through ecological epistemology, and this can provide an opportunity to reflect on today’s civilization which fails to stop the destruction of nature. In Dasan's interpretation, it was possible to find the meaning of why citizens, who are the subject of today’s politics, are actually in need of active participation. In addition, the ‘actualization of the Mean and Harmony’(致中和) contains Confucian values ​​that continue to be a valuable inheritance in modern times. The ‘actualization of the Mean and Harmony’ is the perfection of emotional propriety and requires the moderation of desires. This is the task of spiritual cultivation, and the basic idea of ​​Confucianism. Zhuxi and Dasan recognized that ‘actualization of the Mean and Harmony’ presupposes cultivation. Every problem in human life stems from uncontrolled desires. The realization of ‘actualization of the Mean and Harmony’ through the moderation of desires can serve as a fundamental answer to these problems.