Glossary

10.4 The Silhak Movement: Practical learning and social reform in the late Joseon period

3 min read•august 16, 2024

The movement shook up late Joseon Korea, challenging old ways with . Scholars pushed for real-world solutions to social and economic problems, mixing Confucian ethics with new ideas from the West.

Silhak thinkers like and left a lasting mark. They promoted reforms in land, education, and government, paving the way for Korea's later modernization efforts.

The Silhak Movement

Origins and Context

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  • Emerged in Korea during late 17th to early 19th centuries as response to perceived stagnation of Neo-Confucian orthodoxy
  • Arose amid social, economic, and political crises facing Joseon dynasty (factionalism, corruption, economic inequality)
  • Gained momentum during reigns of King Yeongjo (1724-1776) and King Jeongjo (1776-1800) who supported reform-minded scholars
  • Represented shift from abstract philosophical debates to practical concerns and scientific inquiry
  • Influenced by introduction of Western knowledge through China

Core Concepts and Approach

  • Silhak means "practical learning" emphasizing empirical observation and pragmatic solutions
  • Focused on pursuing knowledge applicable to real-world problems
  • Advocated for reforms in agriculture, commerce, education, and governance
  • Emphasized importance of observation, experimentation, and evidence-based reasoning
  • Sought to address societal issues through practical applications of knowledge

Principles and Goals of Silhak

Philosophical Foundations

  • Centered on and pragmatism emphasizing observation and evidence-based reasoning
  • Aimed to balance Confucian ethics with practical concerns creating more just and efficient society
  • Promoted adaptation of foreign knowledge and technologies to benefit Korean society (agriculture, medicine, astronomy)
  • Emphasized importance of Korean history, geography, and language fostering national identity and cultural pride
  • Sought to reform government institutions advocating for meritocracy and reduction of corruption

Social and Economic Reforms

  • Advocated for reform of land ownership and taxation systems addressing economic inequality
  • Promoted expansion of education beyond aristocratic class cultivating talent regardless of social status
  • Aimed to improve agricultural productivity through scientific farming methods
  • Sought to create more equitable society by addressing systemic issues
  • Encouraged development of commerce and industry to strengthen national economy

Prominent Silhak Scholars

Early Silhak Thinkers

  • Yu Hyeong-won (1622-1673) authored "Pangye surok" proposing reforms in land distribution, taxation, and administration
  • Yi Ik (1681-1763) wrote "Seongho saseol" advocating for educational reform and in governance
  • Hong Dae-yong (1731-1783) contributed to astronomy and geography introducing Western scientific concepts
  • Park Ji-won (1737-1805) wrote "Yeolha ilgi" critically examining Chinese society and advocating foreign practice adoption

Late Silhak Scholars

  • Jeong Yak-yong (1762-1836) known as Dasan produced works on various subjects including "Mokmin simseo" on ethical governance
  • Seo Yu-gu (1764-1845) compiled "Imwon gyeongjeji" encyclopedic work on agriculture promoting scientific farming methods
  • Kim Jeong-hui (1786-1856) contributed to Korean epigraphy, calligraphy, and art history emphasizing empirical research

Impact of Silhak on Joseon

Social and Intellectual Changes

  • Challenged rigid social hierarchy promoting meritocracy and social mobility based on talent
  • Contributed to development of Korean historiography, geography, and natural sciences through empirical research
  • Influenced government policies leading to limited reforms in taxation, land management, and local administration
  • Emphasized Korean language and culture contributing to development of Korean linguistics and vernacular literature
  • Critiqued Neo-Confucian orthodoxy and opened doors to foreign knowledge paving way for later modernization efforts

Limitations and Obstacles

  • Impact limited by conservative opposition and political factionalism
  • Full implementation of many proposed reforms prevented by entrenched interests
  • Gradual nature of changes proposed by Silhak scholars met resistance from those benefiting from status quo
  • Tension between traditional Confucian values and new ideas proposed by Silhak thinkers created societal conflicts

Legacy of Silhak in Korea

Influence on Modern Korean Thought

  • Shaped later modernization efforts during Korean Empire and early 20th century
  • Contributed to development of modern educational systems and civil service reforms
  • Laid groundwork for adoption of Western scientific methods in Korean academia
  • Influenced development of modern Korean linguistics and Korean language movement in 20th century
  • Principles of pragmatism and adaptation of foreign knowledge influenced Korea's approach to modernization and economic development

Continuing Relevance

  • Ideas of meritocracy and social mobility resonated with later socialist and populist movements
  • Legacy of prominent Silhak scholars celebrated in modern Korea studied as part of country's intellectual heritage
  • Silhak approach to problem-solving and continues to inspire contemporary Korean thinkers and policymakers
  • Movement's emphasis on practical knowledge and empirical research remains relevant in modern academic and policy discussions

Key Terms to Review (18)

Advocacy for peasant rights: Advocacy for peasant rights refers to the movement and efforts aimed at promoting the social, economic, and political rights of peasants, particularly during periods of social upheaval and reform. This advocacy emerged as a response to the oppressive conditions faced by rural farmers, seeking to improve their livelihoods and empower them in the socio-political landscape. It was closely linked to broader social movements that emphasized practical learning and reform, aiming to address injustices in agrarian society.
Agricultural Reform: Agricultural reform refers to a series of changes aimed at improving agricultural practices and land distribution to enhance productivity and address social inequalities. In the context of the late Joseon period, this reform sought to challenge the rigid social hierarchies and outdated farming methods that hindered progress, promoting more equitable land ownership and better cultivation techniques among the peasantry.
Confucian State: A Confucian state is a political system that emphasizes the principles of Confucianism, particularly the importance of hierarchy, moral governance, and social harmony. In this context, the state is viewed as a moral entity that promotes ethical conduct among its leaders and citizens. This system greatly influenced the structure and policies of Korea, especially during the Joseon Dynasty, as rulers sought to implement Confucian ideals to stabilize and strengthen their governance.
Critique of Confucian Orthodoxy: The critique of Confucian orthodoxy refers to the questioning and challenging of traditional Confucian values and practices, particularly during periods of social and political change. This critique often emerged as scholars and reformers advocated for more practical approaches to governance, education, and social organization, pushing for reforms that reflected contemporary needs rather than rigid adherence to established norms. This movement sought to blend Confucian ideals with new ideas, leading to a more adaptable and relevant philosophical framework.
Dongguk yusa: Dongguk Yusa, or 'Memories of the East,' is a historical text from the late Joseon period that serves as a key work within the Silhak movement. It reflects the changing attitudes toward practical learning and social reform, emphasizing the importance of history and culture in shaping national identity. The text advocates for a more empirical approach to knowledge, contrasting with the traditional Confucian ideals that dominated earlier thought.
Empiricism: Empiricism is a philosophical theory that emphasizes knowledge derived from sensory experience and evidence gathered through observation and experimentation. This approach contrasts with rationalism, which prioritizes reason as the primary source of knowledge. Empiricism played a vital role in shaping intellectual movements that sought practical solutions to societal issues, particularly during periods of reform and enlightenment.
Jeong Yak-yong: Jeong Yak-yong was a prominent scholar, philosopher, and government official during the late Joseon period, known for his contributions to the Silhak movement. He advocated for practical learning and social reform, emphasizing the importance of empirical knowledge and moral responsibility in governance. His works reflect a critical approach to Confucian ideals, pushing for reforms that addressed the socio-economic issues of his time.
Late Joseon Dynasty: The Late Joseon Dynasty refers to the final period of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea, which lasted from the late 17th century until the end of the 19th century. This era was characterized by significant social, political, and cultural changes, including the emergence of practical learning movements such as Silhak, which sought to address social issues and improve the lives of ordinary people. The Late Joseon Dynasty also faced internal strife and external pressures, leading to a re-evaluation of Confucian ideals and a push for reform.
Myeongnyun seongyung: Myeongnyun seongyung refers to the philosophical concept of 'practical learning' or 'pragmatic scholarship' that emerged during the late Joseon period in Korea. This idea emphasizes the importance of applying scholarly knowledge to real-world issues and social reform, rather than focusing solely on theoretical or Confucian ideals. It is a crucial component of the Silhak movement, which sought to address the practical needs of society through education and reform.
Practical education: Practical education refers to a system of learning that emphasizes hands-on experience and real-world applications of knowledge rather than just theoretical understanding. This concept was a vital component of the Silhak movement, which sought to reform Korean society in the late Joseon period by promoting knowledge that could be directly applied to improve agricultural practices, economic development, and social welfare.
Practical knowledge: Practical knowledge refers to the understanding and skills acquired through direct experience, rather than theoretical learning. In the context of the late Joseon period, this concept emphasized the importance of knowledge that could be applied to real-life situations, particularly in areas such as agriculture, commerce, and social reform. This approach fostered a shift from traditional Confucian ideals toward a more pragmatic perspective focused on addressing the pressing issues of society.
Practical learning: Practical learning refers to an educational approach that emphasizes hands-on experience and the application of knowledge to real-world situations. This concept became significant during certain historical periods, where it influenced literature and social reforms, showing a shift toward valuing practical skills and knowledge over traditional scholarship.
Realism: Realism is a literary and artistic movement that emphasizes the depiction of everyday life and ordinary people in a truthful manner, often highlighting social issues and the conditions of the common individual. In the context of the Silhak Movement, realism played a significant role in advocating for practical learning and social reform by focusing on realistic portrayals of societal problems, encouraging intellectuals to seek solutions grounded in real-world experiences rather than abstract philosophies.
Silhak: Silhak, or 'practical learning,' refers to a movement that emerged in Korea during the late Joseon period, advocating for the application of knowledge to real-world issues and social reforms. It sought to challenge the dominant Neo-Confucian ideals that prioritized abstract learning and moral philosophy, pushing for a more pragmatic approach to governance and society. Silhak thinkers emphasized the importance of empirical observation and practical skills to address the needs of the people.
Social Justice: Social justice refers to the equitable distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society, ensuring that all individuals have the ability to access their rights and participate fully in their communities. This concept is crucial in addressing inequalities and advocating for marginalized groups, making it a common theme in various cultural expressions and movements.
Social reform: Social reform refers to organized efforts aimed at improving societal conditions, addressing inequalities, and promoting social justice. It often involves changes in laws, policies, or practices that seek to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities. In the late Joseon period, social reform became a significant aspect of the Silhak Movement, which emphasized practical learning and applied knowledge to address pressing social issues.
Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism is a moral philosophy that suggests the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility. It evaluates the ethicality of actions based on their consequences, emphasizing practical outcomes over rigid moral rules. This approach seeks to bring about the greatest good for the greatest number, making it closely aligned with social reform and practical learning efforts during specific historical movements.
Yu Hyeong-won: Yu Hyeong-won was a prominent Korean scholar and reformer during the late Joseon period, known for his contributions to the Silhak movement, which emphasized practical learning and social reform. He advocated for a more empirical approach to knowledge and believed in applying Confucian principles to improve society, thus bridging traditional thought with modern ideas. His work influenced various aspects of governance, agriculture, and economic policy in an era that sought to address social issues and promote progress.
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