• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
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• no.33
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• pp.7-29
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• 2008

Jang, Hyeon-Guang is one of the representative natural philosophers of Joseon Korea. This article aims to investigate the meaning of the factors of Xiangshuxue(象數學) contained in his cosmology. Xiangshuxue applies Image(Xiang), Numeral(Shu) and In-Yang to present the distinctions, inter-relations and time-series orders of things. Jang's cosmology, combined with Xiangshuxue, insisted that Li(Principle) is infinite in time and space, the cosmos is finite on the other side. This assures that the moral principle is absolute and eternal. Jang emphasized the book I-ching as the criterion and the model in understanding the nature. This restrained the objectivizm of Shaoyong and made his concept 'natural law' difficult to change itself as the experience and the knowledge expand. None the less, his cosmology is appraised in that it strengthened natural philosophical basis of neo-confucianism and preceded the cosmological investigations since mid-Joseon dynasty.