朝鲜时期“理气论”背景下的天下观与民族意识——以李退溪与李栗谷为中心

The Concept of World and National Consciousness in Ancient Korea at the Perspective of“Theory of Li and Qi”—Focusing on Yi Hwang and Yi I

“理气论”是朝鲜名儒李退溪与李栗谷探赜的焦点。退溪强调“理”的实体性、整体性及超越性,对内意在批驳佛教,限制朝鲜内部“气”(朋党)的膨胀与扩张,实现“立王权之威”;对外则遵循“事大字小”原理,将朝鲜视为“小中华”,维系中华与朝鲜之间的等级秩序,力图“固王化之基”。而栗谷强调“气”的个体性、特殊性及流动性,把目光投射在朝鲜民族的固有信仰——“檀君神话”上,倾力构筑朝鲜与中华的对等关系。然而由于檀君神话可资史料有限,不足以支撑朝鲜民族主义的展开,栗谷又竭力从“理”(华夷原理、普遍性)的内部求索朝鲜的殊胜之处。

The Theory of Li and Qi is the research focus of Yi Hwang and Yi I—the famous Confucians in ancient Korea.Yi Hwang emphasizes the substantiality,integrity and transcendence of Li.His practical meanings are to criticizing on Buddhism,limiting the ambitions of cabals in Korea(described as Qi)and establishing the power of Korean Empire.Beyond these internal meanings,he also tries to follow the diplomatic order set by China and regards Korea as“Little China”.He strives to solidify the foundation of kingship by maintaining the hierarchical order between China and Korea.On the other side,Yi I emphasizes the individuality,particularity and fluidity of Qi.He takes Tanjun Myth as an inherent belief of the Korean nation,which he believes is the bridge to build the equal relationship between Korea and China.However,there is little literature research of Tanjun Myth and it is difficult to track.Therefore,this is not enough to support the development of Korean nationalism.But Ligu's contribution to explore the unique characteristic of Korean nation through the explanation of Li(principle and universality)is worth to be remembered.