The Changes in the Consciousness of Knowledge and Modern Knowledge in the SAMINPHILJI

Abstract

This article compares the four types of Homer B. Hurbert’s the SAMINPHILJ I (士民必知, Knowledge that everyone should know)and aims to describe the changes in his linguistic consciousness and modern knowledge. Until now, there have been some researches on four kinds of the SAMINPHILJI, but there is no comprehensive comparison between the first edition of the book, the character of the Korean version, the 1906 edition and the 1909 edition. From this point of view, Hurbert s linguistic consciousness of Hulbert, modernity of the SAMINPHILJ I , understanding of Korean situation and consciousness of enlightenment were searched. The summary is as follows. First, the first edition and the 1906 edition of Alaska related articles estimated the year of publication to be 1890. This is based on the United States describing Alaska s purchase from Russia 25 years ago in the first edition and 41 years in the 1906 edition. Second, Hulbert s linguistic awareness is characterized by recognizing the convenience of Hangeul and respecting its native language. The publishing of the SAMINPHILJI in Korean is reflected in his people-centered and equality ideology. The appearance of the 1906 version of the Korean-English version relates to the increase in Herbert s missionary activities and knowledge of Korea s history and culture. Third, I tried to examine the modern consciousness of Hulbert reflected in the first edition the SAMINPHILJI and the characteristics of the system which appeared in the 1906 edition. The SAMINPHILJI was a textbook that provided a broad knowledge of modern science and human geography. Fourth, the first edition and the 1906 edition were compared with Korean related contents. Although included in the missionary s point of view of Confucianism and Christianity, he was passionate about emphasizing and enlightening Korean independence.