The Practical Implications Manifested in Dasan and Jeungsan’s Theory of Mutual Resonance

This article examines the theory of mutual resonance (感應論) of Dasan (茶山), Jeong Yak-yong (丁若鏞), and Jeungsan (甑山), Kang Il-sun (姜一淳), who lived during the transition to modernity in Joseon. By examining the philosophical thought of Dasan and Jeungsan, which centered on the problem of realizing morality through the resonance (感應) between human beings and Sangje, this article aims to reveal that their religious discussion of resonance, which is differentiated from the rational theory, ultimately strengthens the practice of morality. Dasan and Jeungsan argue that it is difficult to overcome human selfish desires through the mind alone, which aims for moral autonomy, so the recognition of a transcendent being, Sangje, becomes necessary. Since Sangje, the Supreme Being, is always watching over human life, one can examine one’s deficiencies with reverence and correct them. In particular, Dasan and Jeungsan reveal that humans and Sangje do not exist independently, but are in touch with each other through the heart, so that moral practice can be actualized in reality. Dasan and Jeungsan do not position humans and the Supreme Being as independent entities, but rather allow them to organically resonate with each other through the mind, enabling individuals to engage in moments of contemplation and reflection at every juncture of choice, unbound by time and space. From this perspective, the resonance theory of Dasan and Jeungsan can be seen to have practical implications for integrating moral practice into everyday life. The thought systems of Dasan and Jeungsan should be understood as embodying the anguish and sincerity of two figures who sought to convey to future generations the path of moral practice that humans must walk, based on a reverent mindset towards the Supreme Being, amidst tumultuous domestic and international circumstances.