여말선초의 ‘노비-천민(天民)’ 인식과 그 양면성

Abstract

This study explored the background of the view of Nobi (奴婢) as a Cheonmin(天民) during the late Koryo(高麗) and the early Chosun(朝鮮) and the meaning of the double-sidedness of that view. The purpose of this research was mainly in understanding of the historical meaning of the late Koryo and the early Chosun period focusing on the view of Nobi based on neo-Confucianism(性理學).<BR> The newly growing Sadaebu(士大夫), who witnessed the Nobi problem of late Koryo period, argued the proper treatment of Nobi and the suppression against the Nobi ’s presumptuous behaviors. Their double-sided positions on the Nobi problem can be confirmed in the public notice of Gamchalsa(監察司), which was issued in 1339, and were further embodied in the Sinjin-sadaebu’s (新進士大夫) insistence on reformation of Nobi system, resulting in the double-sided view of Nobi as a Cheonmin(天民) at the end of the Koryo.<BR> In this context, the Nobi policy during the early Chosun period was also accompanied by a policy to treat Nobi like other commoners and to restrain Nobi ’s presumptuous behavior by establishing an order of status. In the same period, Yangban(兩班) class regarded Ki Tse(箕子)’s eight clauses law (八條法) as the origin of Dongguk Nobi(東國奴婢), and thought the existence of Nobi was helpful for the edification. The Yangban class’ perspective on Nobi could be possible because Nobi was defined as a Cheonmin, the object of edification placed below in the order of Cheonbun(天分). Therefore, the view of Nobi as a Cheonmin was the basis on which the Yangban class justified their domination of Nobi through the order of status set by the teachings of neo-Confucianism.<BR> The will of Yangban class to establish control over Nobi sometimes conflicted with that of the state(國家) to treat them as Gongmin(公民). The circumstances in which the state and the Saga (私家) clashed over the rule of Nobi were related to the doublesidedness of the view of Nobi as a Cheonmin. The state wanted to intervene in Saga’s control of Nobi, with the view that even if it was a Sano(私奴), it should receive the same reasonable treatment as ordinary people. On the other hand, Yangban class tried to stop the state from intervening, arguing that Nobi, who are Cheonmin, should be placed under the order of status because they are subject to edification.