Yi Yulgok on the Role of Emotions in Self-cultivation and Ethics: A Korean Confucian and Comparative Interpretation

Abstract

Yi I (Yulgok) was a leading Neo-Confucian thinker and one of the greatest statesmen in Joseon Korea. This chapter presents the holistic role of emotions (jeong/qing 情) in self-cultivation and statecraft by covering his major philosophical texts, letters, and political essays. We discuss Yulgok’s theory that virtuous emotional harmony and the transformation of one’s gi/qi (vital energy) are important for self-cultivation and why this interpretation is relevant to his political reform measures. The chapter also compares it with Western virtue ethics. It concludes that the modern relevance of Yulgok’s insights emphasizes ethical passions to promote political justice and social wellbeing.

Jeong Hagok on Emotions and the Korean Four-Seven Debate: A Confucian, Comparative, and Contemporary Interpretation

“…For more on Yulgok's philosophy, including his Four-Seven thesis, consult Ro (1989 (a new edited anthology, including Ro's article on Yulgok), Ching (1985); ; Ivanhoe (2015,2016); Seok (2018); and E. Y. J. Chung (1998Chung ( , 2019aChung ( , 2022.…”