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There are 4 modules in this course
In the “Exploration to Korean Philosophy” series, we will delve deeper into the subject matter than what was previously addressed in the courses “Introduction to Korean Philosophy and Culture (IKPC)” and “In Search for the Origins of Korean Philosophy (SOKP).”
In EKP2, “Formation of “Korean” Neo-Confucianism,” is a course that zooms in on the era when Korean philosophy blossomed and looks into detailed topics. Here we will look at the debate between Buddhism and Confucianism, the diagrams that Koreans drew to capture the world and explore the inner self of humans, and the philosophy of salvation through the heart, which is the goal of these attempts.
This week, we focus on the Confucian-Buddhist debate during the Joseon dynasty, emphasizing the rise of Neo-Confucianism over Buddhism and Daoism. We will learn about Neo-Confucian critiques against Buddhism and reflect on the role of argumentation in Korean philosophy and society. The lessons also cover the transition from syncretism to orthodoxy and highlight key historical figures. In later lessons, we will explore Sambong's critiques of Buddhism and delve into the Confucian-Buddhist debates between Sambong and Gihwa, considering their impact on modern Korean philosophy and social harmony.
What's included
9 videos2 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
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9 videos•Total 51 minutes
Opening•3 minutes
Course Overview•4 minutes
Koreans Like to Argue?!•6 minutes
Confucianism’s Self-justification against Daoism and Buddhism•6 minutes
Sambong’s First Criticism: Simmun Cheondap 心問天答 “The Mind Asks, Heaven Answers”•5 minutes
Sambong’s Second Criticism: Sim-Gi-Li-pyeon 心氣理篇 “On the Mind, Material Force, and Principle”•6 minutes
Reconstructed Debate between Confucian and Buddhist Intellectuals•9 minutes
After the Confucian-Buddhist Debate•4 minutes
[+] Debating and Social Harmony in Modern Korea•8 minutes
2 readings•Total 65 minutes
Course introduction•5 minutes
Reading materials for week 1•60 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
What have you learnt this week?•10 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 20 minutes
Self-Introduction•20 minutes
Thinking and Debating through Diagrams
Module 2•2 hours to complete
Module details
This week, we will focus on the use of diagrams in Neo-Confucianism and their role in Korean philosophy. We will learn about the emergence of these diagrams, their significance, and specific diagrams related to human relations with Heaven and Earth. The lessons also cover the Korean philosophical diagram, Doseol, which represents human existence and life in Joseon Korea. Lastly, we will explore the early development of Doseol and its role in domesticating Neo-Confucianism in Korea.
What's included
5 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
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5 videos•Total 29 minutes
Introduction to Diagrams of Neo-Confucian Cosmology•4 minutes
The Cosmo-Numerological Diagrams in Song China•8 minutes
Diagrams of Human Existence and Life in Joseon Korea•7 minutes
[+] Becoming a Sage through Diagrams?•5 minutes
Inheritance of the First Generation of Domestication of Neo-Confucianism•6 minutes
1 reading•Total 60 minutes
Reading materials for week 2•60 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
What have you learnt this week?•10 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 30 minutes
Discussion for week 2•30 minutes
Exploring the Heart-Mind through Heavenly Mandate
Module 3•3 hours to complete
Module details
In this week, we will explore the connection between the heart-mind and Heaven in Korean philosophy. We will gain an understanding of the Korean concept of Maum (heart-mind), its role in reaching Heaven, and its connection with Heaven and humans. The lessons also delve into the historical significance of Cheonmyeong-do and the centuries-long debate it sparked in Korea.
What's included
11 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
11 videos•Total 70 minutes
The Heart-mind is the Gateway to Heaven•3 minutes
From Heaven and Humans, Cheon-In 天人, into Heart-Mind and Nature, Sim-Seong 心性•4 minutes
[+] Drawing Your Own Diagram: Morality and Heaven•10 minutes
Maum 마음, Simseong 心性 or Seongjeong 性情?•4 minutes
Maum 마음 & Haneul 하늘, Reaching Heaven through the Heart-mind•6 minutes
[+] Maum: What Connects Heaven and Humans•4 minutes
Debating over Diagrams of Heavenly Mandate•6 minutes
[+] Historical Background of the Concept of Heavenly Mandate in the 16th Century of Joseon•7 minutes
The Basic Composition of Cheonmyeong-do that Toegye Defended on Behalf of Chuman•9 minutes
[+] Looking at the Meaning of "Myeong" in Cheongmyeong •9 minutes
[+] The Meaning of Heavenly Mandate: the Active Exchange between Heaven and Human•7 minutes
1 reading•Total 60 minutes
Reading materials for week 3•60 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
What have you learnt this week?•10 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 30 minutes
Discussion for week 3•30 minutes
Heavenly Mandate to Four-Seven Debate
Module 4•5 hours to complete
Module details
In this week, we will explore the famous Four-Seven debate, delving into the distinctions between the four moral emotions and seven everyday feelings. We will analyze whether Korean Neo-Confucianism is synonymous with Korean philosophy and understand these concepts through the Li-Qi metaphysical framework. The lessons also revisit the Four-Seven debate, examining the role of Libal and the emphasis on seven feelings in Korean Neo-Confucianism.
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) was established in 1398 as the highest national educational institute in the early years of Joseon Dynasty in Korea. At present with the support of the world-renowned global company Samsung, SKKU is leading the development of higher education in Korea. SKKU actively encourages international collaboration through developing cutting-edge research and educational programs with its global partners.
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