earticle

영어

The existing studies on Yoshida Shōin（1830-1859) provide two contrasting opinions as to the acceptance of Mencius by Shōin. Researchers who deny the acceptance of Mencius by Shōin believe that independence in Shōin's political thoughts is based on the criticism or denial of Confucius ideas (Mencius) as universal political thoughts according to the theory of political system (the system centering around the Japanese emperor) or the theory of unique relationships between the emperor and subordinates (absolute infeudation). They understand that Mencius' (democratic thought of Confucianism) and (revolutionary ideas) are heterogeneous and do not correspond to Shōin's ideas. While the researchers providing contrasting opinions prioritize the tendency of (democratic thought of Confucianism) in Shōin's thoughts and try to find the essence of Shōin' thoughts. The presence of these two contrasting positions originates from the fact that when the existing researchers study Shōin's philosophy, they prioritize the social and political situations at the end of the feudal government which have affected the establishment of Shōin's thoughts while the exploration of the impact of Mencius' philosophy (Confucian ideas in a broad sense) on Shōin's thoughts has been insufficient. At the end of the feudal government as an emergent situation, Shōin explores the political system called [一君万民 (the direct connection between the ruler and the ruled)] as a measure to overcome Japan's domestic and overseas challenges. This paper will pay attention to the acceptance of Mencius' [democratic thought of Confucianism] reflected in Shōin's political thoughts.