Jeong Hagok on Emotions and the Korean Four-Seven Debate: A Confucian, Comparative, and Contemporary Interpretation

This article presents Jeong Jedu (Hagok; 1649–1736) on the topic of emotions and its comparative contemporary relevance. It discusses this leading neo-Confucian thinker’s thought-provoking Four-Seven thesis vital implication for self-cultivation ethics. important has not been discussed in current scholarship Korean Confucianism. The begins with Confucian notion (jeong/qing, 情), according to textual philosophical background Chinese tradition, then covers key issues regarding “Four Beginnings” virtue, “Seven Emotions”, perspectives by Zhu Xi (1130–1200) Wang Yangming (1472–1529). also provides a brief analysis Toegye’s Yulgok’s opinions nature, role, problem emotions. third section focuses Hagok’s interpretation same context. fourth ethics spirituality terms mind’s original essence (bonche/benti) innate knowledge (of good) (yangji/liangzhi) connection Yangming’s doctrines. final concludes considering originality distinctiveness holistic interpretation. my reflections articulate how groundbreaking insights compare certain Western theories why they offer worthwhile resource philosophy, religion,