정조의 『춘추』 이해와 정치적 활용

Abstract

King Jeongjo’s understanding and political application of Chunchu are one of the keys of explaining the relationship between Confucian Classics and politics during his reign. He spent his life studying Chunchu-Jwajeon and published a new edited version. He thought it was very important to reveal the Great Righteousness between the lines of Chunchu planted by Confucius. Having grasped the true meaning of Confucius, the monarch could proclaim new political principles according to his situation. As it was the realization of the principle of moderation, the monarch strengthened his dignity as a spokesman of justice. Based on this, the monarch was able to actively coordinate violent convictions and overheated political battles against his relatives. However, his argument did not become common to the ruling class. Although King Jeongjo rationalized the lenient disposition based on the monarch's interpretation of Chunchu and Myeonguirok, it was common for his subjects to raise other interpretations and oppose his disposition. Finally, King Jeongjo admitted his righteousness as it was, and the arguments of his subjects were also appropriate, so he developed a theory that accepted various views over righteousness.