Course

In Search for the Origins of Korean Philosophy

Sungkyunkwan University

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the formative years of Korean culture and thought, shedding light on the origins of Korean identity and the influences that shaped it. Through a comprehensive study of Korean language, religion, and early written and spoken forms, participants will gain a profound understanding of the multifaceted nature of Korea's linguistic-cultural continuum.

Uncover the harmonious coexistence of Confucianism and Buddhism in Korea and their profound impact on the development of Korean philosophy. From the early indigenous thoughts to the introduction of these foreign cultures, participants will gain valuable insights into the unique evolution of Korean spirituality and intellectual landscape.

  • Gain insight into the formative years of Korean culture and thought
  • Understand the origins of Korean identity, language, and thought
  • Explore the coexistence of Confucianism and Buddhism in Korea
  • Discover the unique linguistic-cultural continuum of Korea
  • Gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of Korean identity

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In Search for the Origins of Korean Philosophy
Course Modules

This course comprises six modules that offer a comprehensive exploration of the formative years of Korean culture and thought. Participants will delve into the origins of Korean identity, language, and the coexistence of Confucianism and Buddhism in Korea, gaining valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of Korean philosophy.

Philosophizing through Primary Sources

Delve into the origins of Korean identity and explore the multifaceted nature of Korea's linguistic-cultural continuum.

  • Understand the terms ‘Name, Language, and Religion’ in the context of Korean identity
  • Gain insights into the previous names of Korea
  • Explore the early written language and spoken Korean language
  • Recognize the harmonious coexistence of Confucianism and Buddhism in Korea

Korean Identity through the Names Called by Others

Explore the evolution of Korean identity through the names attributed by others, shedding light on the changes in meaning and the united identity of different kingdoms.

  • Examine the variations in the names attributed to Korea by others
  • Understand the historical changes in the meaning of the term 'Dongyi'
  • Gain insights into the names attributed to different Korean kingdoms

Korean Language and Korean Thought

Gain a deeper understanding of Korean language and thought, exploring the diachronic continuity of linguistic-cultural identity and the diverse spoken Korean from the past to the present.

  • Clarify terminology related to Sinosphere, Indigenous Thought, Hanja, and Classical Chinese
  • Explore the variety of spoken Korean from past to present
  • Understand the complexities of Hanja and its role in Korean writing systems

Before Confucianism and Buddhism Introduced

Uncover the indigenous thoughts before the influence of foreign cultures, exploring the Dangun legend, Samguk Sagi, and the ethnic traditions that existed before the introduction of Confucianism and Buddhism.

  • Examine the indigenous thoughts before the introduction of foreign cultures
  • Explore the interpretation of the Dangun legend and its relation to Korean Dolmens
  • Gain insights into the ethnic traditions before Confucianism and Buddhism

Confucianism and Buddhism Introduced into Korea

Explore the introduction of Confucianism and Buddhism into Korea, examining their influence on the intellectual landscape and spirituality. Gain insights into the political and educational aspects of Confucianism and the impact of Buddhism in Korea.

  • Understand the role of Confucianism as a political education system
  • Explore the influence of Buddhism in the East Asian context
  • Examine the universality and particularity of Korean Buddhism

Development of Korean Spirituality through Buddhism

Delve into the coexistence of Confucianism and Buddhism in Korean spirituality, gaining insights into the changes in the intellectual landscape and the influence of these foreign cultures on indigenous traditions.

  • Explore the impact of Buddhism on the intellectual landscape of Korea
  • Gain insights into the coexistence of Confucianism and Buddhism in Korean spirituality
  • Understand the self-awareness of marginalized intellectuals in Korean society
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