포저 조익의 <개혹천어(開惑淺語)>에 담긴 도덕 공부론

Abstract

PoJeo Jo-ik, a Confucian scholar of the mid-Joseon period, wrote Gaeokcheoneo(開惑淺語; Opening of the Blind) at the age of 60 to emphasize the importance of moral education that pursues goodness. He believed that humans lose their innate goodness due to being entangled in external things, so the purpose of moral education is to restore their innate goodness. PoJeo Jo-ik specifically divided moral education into attaining knowledge[致知] and Practice[行] based on the principle of Jiseonhaenghu(知先行後; know first, then act) of Zhu Xi. Chichi is the study of pursuing moral knowledge, and haeng is the study of pursuing moral practice. In this case, chichi is based on Gyeong(敬; reverence). Practice[行] is achieved through the practice of human relationships[人倫]. Human relationships is the principle that humans should follow, and it is the foundation of moral practice. PoJeo Jo-ik's moral education theory is still considered valid today. His teachings that one must restore their innate goodness and realize inron through moral knowledge and practice are still relevant today.