This paper reviews Hagok Jeong Je-du’s(1649∼1736) Daehakseol(the thoughts of Great Learning) and the historical meaning of Confucian classics. As one of the leading scholars during the Joseon Dynasty, Jeong Je-du elicited a new trend called the ‘philosophy of Wang Yang-ming’ from an academic atmosphere focused only on the philosophy of Zhu Xi. His position in Joseon Dynasty’s history of thought is significant. In previous studies, the systematic structure and philosophical concept of Daehakseol were analyzed. However, researches on their influential relationships inside the Joseon Dynasty were insufficiently made. Thus, this paper aims to reveal the changing trend of ideas which influenced each other during the 17th and 18th century.
When analyzing Daxue(the Great learning), Jeong Je-du considered Daxue in the ancient version as the canon, and organized his analysis into six chapters. Chapter 1 was the Chapter of ‘Correcting the wrong things in the out of mind’ and ‘Extension of the innate good nature,’ which included details on the three principles, the eight items, ‘Abiding in the highest good’ and ‘Extension of the innate good nature’. Chapter 2 was the Chapter of ‘Sincerity of willing’, which included details on manifesting illustrious virtue, loving people and abiding in the highest good. Chapter 3, 4, 5 and 6 was each the Chapter of ‘Rectification of mind’ & ‘Cultivation of person’, ‘Cultivation of person’ & ‘Regulation of family’, ‘Regulation of family’ & ‘Ordering of state’ and ‘Ordering of state’ & ‘Peace throughout the world.’ Especially, Jeong Je-du’s analysis was unique as it considered Chapter 1 of Daxueas the Chapter of ‘Correcting the wrong things in the out of mind’ and ‘Extension of the innate good nature’, placing the two elements as the key of Daxue.
Jeong Je-du criticized ‘Theory of fell the chapter 5’, ‘Theory of wrong letters’, ‘Theory of upside down for bamboo slips’ emphasized by Zhu Xi at Daxue in the modern version. Instead, he grasped Daxue based on its ancient version. Most of the meanings and theories claimed in Daehakseol are based on the viewpoint of the philosophy of Wang Yang-ming. However, some parts were influenced by the theories of Yun Hue and Park Se-Dang, who had the stand of anti philosophy of Zhu Xi. Through the argument inside Soron (Young doctrine faction), he seemed to have made his opinion more precise, and then wrote Daehakseol.
Although Jeong Je-du’s analysis of Daxue didn’t have great social influence on the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty, it helped people inside Soron better understand the philosophy of Wang Yang-ming, and gave an opportunity of a theoretical basis through a Zhu Xi-style analysis. Jeong Je-du’s idea later connects with Ganghwa School after his death.