A theory on the Lao-Chuang philosophy of Sedang Park


 Sedang Park(1629-1703) insisted on a evaluation of Lao-Chuang philosophy
that regarded as a heretical in the Chosun Dynasty.

 The Lao-Chuang Tao was interpreted as 'absolute reality'(Taekuk) by Sedang
Park. He also insisted that metaphysical Tao was described the vertue as the
principle of concrete action. The Tao created all things like a father. The
Teh(virtue) produced all things like a mother. If we live with Tao and Teh,
then our life would be natural. This attitude can lead to a nice practical
principle of in our life.

 He prefered the practical attitude than an external formality. Many scholars
were bound to an external formality and nominalism (in Chutzu doctrine). Which 
is because of absence of Tao. He insisted that human nature has born in goodness. 
If everyone keeps the goodness,then they would free from nominalism and egoistical
profit. This is just the method of spiritual cultivation.

 In the theory of nominalism and practical realism, he prefered practical one.
Conflicts and hatred in human life are always caused by nominalism. But a 
practical attitude means not profit but reality. According to him, to study
Tao is the real practical attitude. In this point, although he was a pioneer
in "Silhak", his philosophy was not same conception of "Silhak" in late 
Chosun Dynasty.

 Sedang Park's interpretation of Lao-Chuang philosophy was not against 
traditional Confucianism. Scholars studied only Chutzu doctrine in his 
time,but he was a real philosopher who was freed from dogmatism.