• The Journal of Korean Philosophical History
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• no.37
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• pp.71-96
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• 2013

This research is a discussion in critical viewpoint about Han WonJin's philosophical thoughts. As everyone knows, Han WonJin emphasizes the difference of nature between human and animal, so as to try to be hardened human-being's dignity and value. But, his theoretical system can't back that purpose. First, he focused on the real world and maintains "GiseonLihoo[氣先理後]". It means that the ontological sense of Li can be unmake by Gi, then Li can't be the ultimate basis of everything under the sun and pure good moral principle. This concept is perfectly realized in the theory of Mind-Nature, the realistic nature of everything under the sun is a thing that Li had been unmade by Gi, also formed in mixing with disposition. The practical and concrete Mind only has a cognitive function which had already been decided it's superiority. How can we practice moral behavior, can secure human-being's value and dignity in being based on these Mind-Nature?