Korean Confucianism: The Philosophy and Politics of Toegye and Yulgok

This book explores Neo-Confucianism and its relationship to politics by examining the life and work of the two iconic figures of the Joseon dynasty Yi Hwang (1501-1570, Toegye) and Yi I (1536-1584, Yulgok). Toegye and Yulgok founded the two main schools of Josean Neo-Confucianism, which became the most dominant schools of thought in Korean history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 16 October 2018
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

This captivating book delves into the realm of Neo-Confucianism and its profound connection to politics, by closely examining the lives and influential works of two remarkable figures from the Joseon dynasty: Yi Hwang (1501-1570) and Yi I (1536-1584). As Neo-Confucianism gained official status as the state orthodoxy in 1392, it exerted a lasting influence for over five centuries, shaping the very fabric of Korea's history. Toegye and Yulgok, these two visionary leaders, established the two primary schools of Joseon Neo-Confucianism, which subsequently emerged as the dominant schools of thought in Korean history. By shedding new light on the intricate relationship between these two iconic figures, Hyoungchan Kim presents a groundbreaking exploration of contemporary Korea, offering invaluable insights for those passionate about Korean philosophy, history, and culture.

In the annals of Korean history, the Joseon dynasty stands as a pivotal period, marked by profound cultural, social, and political transformations. Among the many figures who left their mark on this era, Yi Hwang and Yi I stand out as two iconic figures who played crucial roles in shaping the trajectory of Neo-Confucianism and its influence on politics. Yi Hwang, known as Toegye, was a prominent philosopher and statesman during the early Joseon period. Born in 1501, he hailed from a noble family and received a rigorous education in the Confucian classics. His philosophical insights and commitment to social justice earned him a reputation as a wise and compassionate leader. Toegye's ideas and teachings, particularly his emphasis on the importance of moral cultivation and the role of the ruler in upholding virtue, resonated with the Joseon rulers and contributed to the establishment of Neo-Confucianism as the official ideology of the dynasty.

Yi I, on the other hand, was a prominent scholar and philosopher during the late Joseon period. Born in 1536, he was the grandson of Yi Hwang and continued to promote Neo-Confucianism as the dominant ideology of the dynasty. Yi I's philosophical works, such as the "Yi I Ching" (Yi I's Commentary on the Classic of Changes), provided a comprehensive interpretation of the Confucian classics and emphasized the importance of harmony, balance, and the cultivation of personal character. His teachings resonated with the Joseon rulers and helped to solidify Neo-Confucianism as the state orthodoxy.

The relationship between Yi Hwang and Yi I was marked by mutual respect and collaboration. Toegye, as the founder of Joseon Neo-Confucianism, recognized the contributions of Yi I and acknowledged his philosophical expertise. He invited Yi I to serve as a tutor to the young king, King Sejong, and together, they worked to promote Neo-Confucianism and its ideals throughout the Joseon dynasty. The influence of Neo-Confucianism on politics during the Joseon period was profound. The rulers of the dynasty believed that the cultivation of moral values and the establishment of a just and harmonious society were essential for the stability and prosperity of the state. They implemented policies and programs that aimed to promote education, social welfare, and economic development, all of which were grounded in Neo-Confucian principles.

One of the most notable achievements of the Joseon rulers was the establishment of a centralized bureaucratic system. This system, known as the "Chosun" system, was based on the principles of Neo-Confucianism and aimed to ensure the efficient administration of the state. The rulers believed that a well-organized government could provide stability and order, which were necessary for the development of society and the cultivation of moral values. The Chosun system also emphasized the importance of meritocracy, whereby individuals were selected based on their skills and qualifications rather than their social status or family connections. This system helped to create a stable and prosperous society, which was characterized by a high level of social mobility and economic growth.

However, the influence of Neo-Confucianism on politics was not without its challenges. The emphasis on moral cultivation and the role of the ruler as a moral exemplar could sometimes lead to the repression of individual freedoms and the suppression of dissent. The Joseon rulers implemented strict laws and regulations to maintain social order and control over the population, which sometimes resulted in the violation of human rights. Additionally, the dominance of Neo-Confucianism in the political sphere.

Weight: 364g
Dimension: 155 x 229 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786608611