二十與二十一世紀的韓國學──東亞傳統哲學的困境與出路

Korean Studies in the 20th and 21st Century: The Predicament of East Asian Philosophy and Its Way out

回顧歷史，韓、中兩國都是以儒教傳統為基礎；在十九世紀末期都受到帝國主義的侵略，在國門被迫打開之後，又都走上了近代化的發展道路；與信仰共產主義理念和實行社會主義體制的中國大陸不同，臺灣奉行自由民主主義，實行資本主義體制，臺灣與韓國因此有更多的共同之處，「傳統與現代」就是雙方在現代發展過程中共同的問題。本文試圖闡述「傳統學問在南韓的『困境』」，以及為擺脫這種困境所作出的種種努力，真心地期望藉此成為凝聚眾人的智慧來共同理解與解決問題的契機。本文的結構如下：一、過去：簡單介紹二十世紀近代社會時期韓國學的情況。二、現在：以「蟄居」和「辯解」兩個關鍵詞詳細介紹韓國學所處的困境。三、未來：闡述如何利用傳統學問資源擺脫這種困境，以創造一種與二十一世紀──「脫近代世紀」──相符合的韓國學之拙見。

Since the late 19th century, all the knowledge and disciplines has developed and circulated without any meaningful reference to the traditional resources. Nevertheless, there was some anachronisms who believe and love the old wisdom, and have coped with the contemporary values and predominant trends. The responses of traditional East Asian philosophy can be summarized by four, namely 1) ignorance, 2) cynicism, 3) apology, and 4) seclusion. They are classified by two criteria: the one is what it values, modern or traditional, and the other is how enthusiastic it cares for, passive or active. Type 1) ignorance is modern, passive, 2) cynicism is modern, active, 3) apology is traditional, passive, 4) seclusion is traditional, active. I think type 4) seclusion could be more productive, and it only could prove the value and the reason of 'why East Asian philosophy.' Prior to pave the way, I gave some cautions necessary for the adventure, i.e. soliloquy, nationalism, conformism etc., as well as encouraged the need for self esteem, and the dialogue with others.