艮齋 田愚 性師心弟說의 실천적 함의 = Practical Implications of Jeon Woo’s "The Nature as Teacher, the Mind as Disciple" Thesis

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Jeon Woo’s "The Nature as Teacher, the Mind as Disciple" (性師心弟說) thesis is not only the result of a meticulous exploration of Neo-Confucianism but also a reflection on history and reality. Through this exploration and reflection, Jeon Woo reaffirmed that human beings should live not based on their own minds but according to the principles of Heaven (天理). Jeon Woo’s vehement criticism of the "Mind is Principle" (心卽理) thesis stemmed from two concerns: it distorts the traditional theoretical framework of Neo-Confucianism and it encourages the mind's self-serving tendencies, leading to the danger of falling into indulgence and recklessness (猖狂自恣).
Jeon Woo’s solution to the chaotic reality of his time was to confirm, based on realism, that "the mind belongs to the material force" (心卽氣). However, he defined the mind as a "disciple" and asserted that it must follow the teachings of its "master," which is human nature, in order to keep the mind (as material force) from arbitrary action. This reveals that "The Nature as Teacher, the Mind as Disciple" thesis inherently holds significant practical implications, which can be summarized in the following three points.
First, the thesis implies that all daily actions must adhere to the rules of propriety (禮法). Second, it suggests that the governance should observe the Way of the former kings (先王). Third, it implies that the Korean people should reject the rule of the Japanese Imperialist.
This paper regards that Jeon Woo’s "The Nature as Teacher, the Mind as Disciple" thesis as a coherent theoretical framework that aligns with various aspects of traditional Neo-Confucianism. Moreover, the practical implications embedded within the thesis can fundamentally be acknowledged for their validity.