18세기 중후반∼19세기 조선 주자학 지식인들의 천(天) 인식과 서학(西學) 대응

Abstract

This paper examines the perceptions of Cheon (“heaven”) held by Neo-Confucian intellectuals in Joseon from the mid-late eighteenth century to the nineteenth century. Because of social changes taking place at that time and the advent of Seohak (“Western Learning”), Joseon’s ruling class had to reorganize and develop the Neo-Confucian value system. Joseon’s Neo- Confucian intellectuals contemplated the relationship between Cheon and Li (“principle”) and discussed how such ultimate value systems operated in Joseon society. The advent of Seohak in particular was an important stimulus, as it caused them to think about Cheon and Li. The Namin intellectuals (the Southerners faction) in the Yeongnam region and the Noron (the Old Doctrine faction) Ho school intellectuals recognized Cheon as Li. Their conception of Li had a strong normative character and they tended to emphasize the conservative social values-that is, Confucian values. According to their theory, there was no room for Seohak to be admitted. The Noron Nak school, however, considered Cheon to be a combination of Qi (“material force”) and Li. On this basis, they criticized Seohak. Their theory allowed Seohak to be recognized as an area of Qi, which could be the basis of the Dongdo Seogi (“Eastern way and Western instrument”) ideology.