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Comparative Review of Accommodation in Lee Su-kwang’s and Lee Ik’s Discussions of Matteo Ricci's On Friendship

  • 중앙사론
  • 2017, (46), pp.87-134
  • Publisher : Institute for Historical Studies at Chung-Ang University
  • Research Area : Humanities > History

Yongpil Noh 1

1충북대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

During King Gwanghae's sixth year of rule (i.e., 1614), Lee Su-kwang compiled the encyclopedia Jibonguseol, in which he mentioned On Friendship by Li Madou or Matteo Ricci. During the seventeenth century, he included content of On Friendship. He acquired Chinese books directly from writers of the Qing Dynasty during visits to China and placed emphasis on friendship as a western custom, describing the content of Xuertan (續耳譚) as "very queer." Based on analysis of the accommodating aspects of On Friendship during the latter part of the Chosǒn Dynasty, Lee Su-kwang's perspective was that these were a “simple-minded understanding.” Lee Ik mentioned in detail the content of On Friendship in a letter sent to one of his students in King Youngjo's thirtieth year (i.e., 1754), stating his view that accommodation in On Friendship would not continue into the eighteenth Centuryd. He never visited China and was learned of the content of On Friendship by reading the book. Nevertheless, he not only perceive friendship as a topic of study but appraised the work as a "sharp and penetrating discourse," stating that "what it says is substantial, real and worth musing." Thus, accommodating aspects of On Friendship during the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty constituted “in-depth understanding.” Lee Su-kwang's and Lee Ik's perspectives of On Friendship strongly contrast and describe different characteristics.

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