• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
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• no.54
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• pp.155-182
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• 2014

This study aimed to find the possibility of interactions between the Doctrine of the Mean and evolutionary biology. Between the two disciplines, there exists a huge gap such as "traditional era vs. modern times" and "humanities vs. natural science." However, this paper assumed that an analysis of their similarities and differences would allow us to find the possibility for them to interact and communicate with each other. For this purpose, the author proposed a three-step approach to studies of the following topics: human nature in step 1, validity of reasons to live in step 2 and biologically affinitive relations in step 3. The present study in step 1 pays attention to the similarities and differences between genes and in-ui-ye-ji (a set of four Confucian values: benevolence, righteousness, propriety and wisdom). This step discusses the issues of ri (principle) and ki (generative force) in Zhu Xi's theory vs. genes and vehicles in evolutionary biology, innate goodness vs. altruism of genes and in-ui-ye-ji vs. epigenetic rules. In step 2, attention is paid to the similarities and differences between natural selection and shi zhong (時中). They are discussed in terms of the upset of the law of nature vs. mutation, changes vs. evolutions and shi zhong vs. natural selection/adaptation. Step 3 focuses on the similarities and differences between species diversity and li-yi-fen-shu (one li and its many aspects). The discussion in this step addresses the issues of part or whole vs. li-yi-fen-shu, biological affinity vs. single energy and ecosystem vs. "the earth moves orderly, and everything thereon flourishes." If these studies are conducted as planned, a new direction can be set for Zhu Xi's neo-Confucianism. Further, the interaction between humanities and natural science will pave the way for us to overcome asymmetry between different disciplines.

• The Journal of Korean Philosophical History
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• no.42
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• pp.259-294
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• 2014

The key concept of political thoughts of Confucianism is 'Tian(天)=the Heaven' and 'Ren(人)=the Human being'. In particular, the meaning of 'the Heaven(天)' is profoundly exclusive in Confucianism in comparison to the other concepts. It is because that 'the Heaven' is connected with 'Ri(理)' which explains the human being and the heaven metaphysically, and the discussions about those concepts have also been widening to the political field. And if the concept of 'the Heaven's nature(天命)' is excluded, it is difficult for us to discuss the essence of political thought of Confucianism. This paper argued how the politicalization of 'the Heaven' which was private dimension of monarch in the strict sense, changed to the public dimension of people in Japan in the early 18th century through some theories of the two famous philosopher, Ito-Jinsai(伊藤仁齋) and Ogyu-Sorai(荻生?徠) who belonged to the 'Kogakuha(古學派)'. The doctrines of Chu-tzu(朱子學) has hold absolute authority over the history of the oriental political thoughts. But the authority have gone through the stage of disorganization in a unique space called Eto(江戶) era of Japan. Therefore, the interpretations and concept establishments in a new dimension are naturally formed in that periods about 'Min(民)=People'. Based on discussions like this, the purpose of this paper is to study how those movements are emerged in what kinds of thinking and debating process. In part of Ito-Jinsai, this paper have reconsidered the concept of 'People' which Jinsai had thought and examined closely with critical mind about 'In(仁)=Mercy'. In case of Ogyu-Sorai, this paper have argued his political theory of 'the welfare of the people in the nation(安民天下)', in clarifying with the concept of 'the Roads of the Saint(先王의 道)' and the meaning about his declaration that "the Six Scripture(六經) is things(物)". The meaning of political view of this two philosopher is in the point to suggest some kinds of cure for problems of those days with the former days values. In the Jinsai's doctrine, that cure is 'the realization of the rule of right(王道)' based on new interpretation of 'Mersy'. And in case of Sorai, that is a form of independence of politics from morality based on 'the Roads of the Saint'.