Overview

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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 EKP1, titled "Modernity and the Emergence of 'Korean' Philosophy," we explore how the Korean intellectual tradition encountered a pivotal moment of reinterpretation as it embraced the discipline of "philosophy," often seen as the apex of modern European intellectual history. Looking at examples of Concept Clusters, we can see that Korean philosophy is deeply rooted in the Korean language and has formed a philosophical perspective that is different not only from the West but also from neighboring countries such as China and Japan. In this course, we also dealt with the early Korean Neo-Confucianism's gaze on “cheon”, referring to “heaven” as an example that clearly demonstrates the characteristics of Korean philosophy before it was given the name “philosophy.” Even before and after the advent of Neo-Confucianism, the search for ultimate existence – expressed in various terms – was constantly pursued. The gaze on “heaven” is an important feature of Korean philosophy.

Syllabus

Philosophy and Korean Philosophy

This week, we examine the definitions of philosophy and Korean philosophy. We will hear from fellow students on how they perceive the differences between these two terms. The course will also introduce the fundamental concept of philosophy as the pursuit of wisdom and enlightenment. Additionally, we will get an overview of key highlights in Korean philosophy.

Philosophy as Modern Phenomenon

In this week, we will cover the changing concept of "philosophy" in the modern period, differentiating between historical and contemporary perspectives. We will also explore how scholars engage in comparative philosophy today. In later lessons, the focus is on the conceptual history of "philosophy" and the importance of philosophizing. Additionally, we will gain insights into cross-cultural philosophy and its adaptability in different contexts.

Cross Cultural Gaze on Korean Philosophy

In this week, we will get insights into Korean philosophy in the "After Philosophy" era, emphasizing how modern scholars engage in philosophizing in Korea. We will explore the concept clusters and their influence on East Asian culture, both historically and today. We also delves into contemplating Korean philosophy from cross-cultural perspectives and clarifies the term "incommensurability." Lastly, we will discover the ongoing process of concept clustering in contemporary Korea, illustrating its role in shaping the philosophical landscape.

The Emergence of Korean Philosophical Genealogy

In this week, we will focus on the origins of Korean philosophy, highlighting the influence of syncretism with Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism. We will also explore the impact of Neo-Confucianism on Korean intellectual development. The lessons introduce key terminology and the reasons behind Korean intellectuals endorsing Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucianism.

Korean Confucianism: Human as Heaven

This week, we will cover the emergence of Korean Confucianism and the concept of the 'Copernican Turn' in Korean philosophy, providing insights into the transformation of imported Chinese Neo-Confucianism into Korean Neo-Confucianism. We will also explore the relationship between Heaven and Humans in Korean Neo-Confucianism. In the second lesson, we will delve into the term "Seong-li-hak" as the name for Korean Confucianism through adaptive innovation, understanding the core idea of 'Human as Heaven' and the unity of Heaven and Humans.