Abstract

The present article explores Dasan Jeong Yakyong’s conceptualization of humaneness (仁) within his philosophical framework, focusing on the multilayered structure of the concept as revealed in his commentaries in Noneo gogeumju. While previous scholarship has highlighted Dasan’s departure from Neo-Confucian views by interpreting humaneness as relational rather than internal or individualistic, limited attention has been given to its specific role in elucidating his philosophy. Despite the consensus on the importance of Dasan’s reinterpretation of humaneness in contrasting with NeoConfucianism, its function as a key term in his thought remains understudied. Dasan’s emphasis on the relatedness of humaneness aims not only to refute internality but also to encourage individual moral self-cultivation within the constraints of human existence. Moreover, this conception of humaneness is intricately linked to his holistic understanding of humanity. Thus, this paper elucidates the emphasis on situational uncertainty and plurality within Dasan’s reinterpretation of humaneness, alongside a comprehensive discussion of these themes within the conceptual framework of actual practice (行事) and situation (勢) that he later developed in his philosophical perspective.