Weiyuan``s philosophy has influenced on the reformists, and to explore new path for capitalism. He thought that the neo-confucianism of Song dynasty could not reform the last stage of Qing Dynasty, which was corrupted and suffered with the invasion of...
Weiyuan``s philosophy has influenced on the reformists, and to explore new path for capitalism. He thought that the neo-confucianism of Song dynasty could not reform the last stage of Qing Dynasty, which was corrupted and suffered with the invasion of western countries. Weiyuan suggested the ``change thought(變易思想)`` of Chunchugongyangxue(春秋公羊學) as an alternative of neo-confucianism, and to reform his society with this concept. This thought was revealed on ``Mogu,`` which is one of his famous books. ``Mogu`` consists of ``Learning Chapter`` and ``Governance Chapter.`` Even though the academic does not pay attention to ``Mogu,`` this paper focuses on it as a research subject. While ``Learning Chapter,`` which explains ‘Learning,’ is relevant to ‘Knowledge,’ ``Governance Chapter`` is related with ‘practice,`` which apply ‘Knowledge’ to the political institution. ``Learning Chapter````s main contents are the study of ``Shilsagushi,`` its are as follows. The ``Learning(學)`` of ``Learning Chapter````means ‘realize(覺)’ and emulate(效).’ The main body of Learning`` is ‘Mind(心).’ Mind presides body and spirit. Mind is made of an innate not from the outside. ‘Learning’ is completed when the five sensory organs sees subjects. The main body of ``Learning`` is Mind because it controls the five sensory organs. Mankind see subjects through Mind. Knowledge should be verified by practice not only just know. Knowledge knows that everything can be changed. All things fulfills with ``pair,`` which is defined to ``both opposite and complementary to each other.`` This definition prerequisites ‘Movement(動).’ All things is changed because of this point. Mankind should use the change of things more actively. No reform happens passively. In this respect, Weiyuan emphasizes ‘Knowledge(知),’ which asks for Shilsagushi. However, this Knowledge should be verified in real life. Therefore, ‘Knowledge’ and ‘Practice’ are important because these can be adjusted in any change. Weiyuan``s thought has been much influenced on the modern Chinese thought.