This paper examines and analyzes Yang Eungsu's Neo-Confucianism, a representative disciple of Yi Jae, while paying heed to the Nak School in the 18th century. By doing so, this paper reasonably identifies Yang's academic identity, which has not been s...
This paper examines and analyzes Yang Eungsu's Neo-Confucianism, a representative disciple of Yi Jae, while paying heed to the Nak School in the 18th century. By doing so, this paper reasonably identifies Yang's academic identity, which has not been studied in depth.
Yang is not mentioned in the same way as his contemporaries Park Seongwon, Kim Wonhaeng and Lim Seongju in relation to the study of the Nak School in 18th century.
However, Yang is a highly symbolic figure among Yi's disciples, especially considering that it was not possible to participate in the publication of Yi's writings unless one was very close to his teacher or had a high academic standing. This may explain his place in Cheonmun (泉門).
Yang also maintained his identity as a member of the Nak School by presenting a critical view of the Ho School regarding the Horak controversy, which was a major concern of the scholarly community at the time, with most of Baeksujib (白水集) relating to Neo-Confucianism. He was also a faithful student of his teacher, summarizing the conclusion of Yi's theory of the mind as "the mind being made up two kinds of Qi (心有 二氣)." However, while Yang was identified as a the Nak School scholar, he also had an identity that diverged from the Nak School-centered position. For example, not only did he criticize the theory of consciousness of Kim Changhyeob, the master of the Nak School, but his way of arguing the key issues of the Horak controversy also varied from the mainstream of the Nak School. His academic position was controversial within the Nak School, and his alumni criticized Yang's theory as being the same as the Ho School.
Therefore, it would be a limited understanding to view Yang’s theory solely in the context of his being a 'successor' to 'the theory of the Nak School'.
Thus, the purpose of this paper is to establish a more accurate understanding of Yang's academic identity. Specifically, the study will focus on Yang's membership in the Nak School and the criticisms his alumni had regarding his theories on moral culture.
Ultimately, the success of this study will shed light on why Yang is a noteworthy figure in regard to the diversity within the Nak School in the 18th century and help us to better understand his academic identity.