The Debate on the Reception of Western Technology in the Era of Cho˘ngjo

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Choson's academic society began its study about how to introduce "Western civilization" into Choson from the second half of 18th century. At first the study was based on the "Chinese origin" theorem (西器中國源流說), which argued that modem Western science and technology had its origin in China because it was the outcome of ancient Western civilization which had imported from ancient China. Accordingly, it was a part of Chinese civilization and Choson had no reason to reject Western civilization for the simple reason that it came from the West. This view involved the extension of existing "Northern Learning(北學)," which argued that Choson needed to learn advanced Chings civilization even though the dynasty had been established by Manchuria barbarians. In this context, as the application of Northern Learning into Western science and technology, the "Chinese origin" theorem focused on quite limited realms such as astronomy and "Likhak(曆學)." Identifying Western science and technology as a part of Chinese civilization, the "Chinese origin" theorem can be captured as the position of "Eastern ways, Eastern mechines(東道東器)."

목차 (Table of Contents)

• Ⅰ. Introduction
• Ⅱ. Changes in the influx of Chinese Documents Relating to Sohak
• Ⅲ. The Debate on the Reception of Western Technology and the Development of the "Chinese Origin" Theorem
• Ⅳ. Chongjo's Perception of Western Technology and the policy on Sohak
• Ⅴ. Conclusion
• REFERENCE