정정제두와 정약용 『맹자』 주석의 인간학적 이해

Abstract

Jeong Jae-du(1649-1736) and Jeong Yak-yong(1762-1836) who are Confucian scholars in the late of Chosun dynasty reinterpret the Works of Mencius by using historical researches or interpreting words and phrases. They have different thought between Yang-Ming Studies and Practical Thought. They, however, have a point of sameness on contents and attitudes emphasizing practical ethics of a human being by reflecting on Chu-tzu's theory and finding a new theory. In conclusion, the focus of the Jeong Jae-du and Jeong Yak-yong's interpretation on the Works of Mencius is not ascertaining in detail historical evidence in Chu-tzu's interpretation but reinterpreting it from the viewpoint of philosophy. Jeong Jae-du thinks of nature which tell the difference between human being and all sorts of things as living principle which is a sense of morality. It involves human liveliness and moral awareness, and it is able to make moral judgments. It can apperceive right and wrong or good and evil, like good or dislike evil, and also do good or remove evil intrinsically. Because wickedness originates from the acquired physical nature, people have to practice ethics actually. He explains the possibility of making moral nature come true practically by using the relationship between four principles and four virtues. Jeong Yak-yong considers human nature as just a taste and the attribute endowed with mind. The mind as the main agent aims for good naturally, and the competence of mind has free will which is the ability to practice ethics. Therefore, moral decision is the will of mind, and the responsibility to make moral decision is up to human being. Jeong Yak-yong emphasizes that humans can choose between good and evil for themselves, and they are able to do good practically. Jeong Jae-du and Jeong Yak-yong criticized Chu-tzu's interpretation regarding of human nature as principle by reinterpreting the meaning of the theory that human nature is fundamentally good in the Works of Mencius. In conclusion, The issue of human nature zooms in on the mind and practice of human being as the main agent for making moral decision and practicing ethics.