리학의 재현은 지속가능한가? - 송산(松山) 권재규(權載奎)의 사회적 인식을 중심으로

Abstract

This study set out to explore the sustainability of Li-Hak’s reappearance even during the transitional period of paradigm between the late 19th century and the early 20th century. Specifically, the study raised a question as to whether Li-Hak would still have the same momentum during the years of Songsan Kwon Jae-Gyu(1870~1952) that lived the most turbulent period in Korean history. Kwon shows a type of intellectuals that experienced the opening port period, Japanese rule, and Korean War. Inheriting the Philosophy of Nosa faithfully, he lived as a Confucian scholar that consistently dreamed of Neo-Confucianism’s reappearance in Joseon of transformation in which the overall framework of political and social perceptions, customs, thoughts, and values was changing. Unlike the enlightenment advocates that raised issues with the political, social, and economic structure of Joseon, he defined the Western power and Japan that shook up the structure and also the new culture and new learning that accompanied them into Joseon as “something that was not right” and “something bad”. His social perceptions were based on Li-Hak of “Lijonmudae”. According to him, there is universal “Li” commonly applicable to all times and places, and the reality that we face is a phenomenon exposed by the presidency and order of “Li”. In Li-Hak in this structure, it is natural that “seeking after truth[求道]” should be more urgent and come before “saving the world[救世]” to react to the times of changes[應事接物]. The norms that people use can be revised and changed according to the “situations in which they are used”. Just like different games impose different rules, different periods have different contexts. If such differences are ignored to apply the uniform norms to all situations, the situations will rather be distorted. Given that human beings are organisms that should engage in ongoing interactions with others, the “human duties[理]” are still valid to people. However, as long as “Li” refuses to embrace changes in reality, it will remain only as the product of closed thinking. There should be comprehensive interpretations to embrace the changes of the times beyond the exclusive “Li”-centered understanding for the successful reappearance of Li-Hak. This inquiry can be called an “investigation into the periodic context of Li-Hak reappearance”.