The extent to which Korean Confucianism has developed Neo-Confucianism remains an inade-quately elucidated issue.A series of debates on the opinion that four principles(si duan)can be in dis-harmony(si duan bu zhongjie)represents a significant aspect of this issue.In the context of Mencius,the"four principles"are undoubtedly viewed as purely good.However,within the framework of princi-ple and material force(li qi)and human nature and emotions(xing qing),it is difficult to avoid being questioned about disharmony.This paper reconstructs the meaning of the"four principles"as discussed in Mencius from the perspective of verbal expressions.As for"zhongjie"(in harmony),previous schol-ars have mostly focused on its connotation of emotions harmonizing with nature(qing he yu xing)in the discourse of human nature and emotions,while neglecting its significance in terms of conforming to rites and music(he yu liyue)at the state institutional aspect.Both aspects are deeply related to"zhongli"(harmonious rites).It is the tension between morality and institutions that makes the possibility of the four principles can be in disharmony conceivable.This not only highlights the necessity of re-examining the continuity between Korean Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism but also reveals the complexity and richness of conceptual integration among different Confucian texts.
four principleszhongjieMenciusZhu XiKorean Confucianism
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