• The Journal of Korean Philosophical History
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• no.58
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• pp.139-160
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• 2018

'Gyeokmulchiji' (格物致知), coming to knowledge based on the investigation of things) is a starting point for any study and politics of Confucianism. Much emphasis was placed on the conception of 'Gyeokchi' as a root of every learning and adminstration in the early Joseon period. As Confucianism established itself as a salient value system of the government, a mighty change and paradigm shift happened in its governmental system which had depended upon Buddhism up to that time. Thus, Confucian statecraft also stood out. Daehakyeonui (大學衍義) was preached as a model of regal learning and politics in the governmental agon, and its conceptual starting point was 'Gyeokchi.' The various interpretations and arguments about this concept shows the process in which Zhu Xi NeoConfucianism was deepened into Neo-Confucianism of Joseon's own. This conception reached the essence of 'Li' beyond the problem of cognitive subject and object, and provided a watershed which divided Giho (畿湖) and Yeongnam (嶺南) schools. Confucian method of study, which incorporates knowledge and practice, has great implications for our times when there are many voices of concern over humanities. The enhancement of universities and humanities is much needed to adjust the direction and pace of scientific technology, which is now entirely left with the logic of market. Accordingly, it is quite urgent for us to examine our object of learning again, which should integrate 'Sugi' (修己, cultivating oneself) with 'Chi-in' (治人, governing others), and knowledge with practice.