Exploring Jo So-ang’s Doctrine of “Three Equalities” as a Discourse on the Future Community: Focusing on “Democratic Republic” and “Equality”

This paper examines Jo So-ang’s doctrine of “Three Equalities” (samgyunjuui) as a foundational source for future community discourse, focusing on the concepts of a “democratic republic” and “equality.” To this end, the study first reviews the Preamble and Article 1 of the First Constitution of the Republic of Korea, analyzing “equality” as a defining feature of the Korean Constitution and the idea of a “democratic republic” as the framework of the national community. Next, the study examines Jo So-ang’s interpretation of a “democratic republic” from the 1910s to the 1940s. It then reviews the relationship between the individual and the community within Jo So-ang’s doctrine of “Three Equalities” and further examines the significance of “equality” within the context of this relationship. Based on these analyses, the potential of the doctrine of “Three Equalities” as a discourse on the future community is discussed. In the Preamble of the First Constitution, emphasis is placed on both individual freedom and equality while advocating for the establishment of an equitable society through social and economic democracy. Article 1 defines the Republic of Korea as a “democratic republic,” a term that combines two concepts: “democracy” as a political system based on the separation of powers, and “republic” as a state governed by the people rather than a monarch. This emphasis on the democratic republic system and equality originates from Jo So-ang’s doctrine of “Three Equalities.” During the drafting of the Provisional Charter (1919) by the Provisional Government, Jo So-ang initially understood the “democratic republic” as merely the opposite of an absolute monarchy. However, as his understanding of democracy deepened and the doctrine of “Three Equalities” was established, “democratic republic” came to signify a system grounded in “equality” achieved through the equal political participation of all people. Jo So-ang regarded “equality” as the core of his doctrine of “Three Equalities” to prevent wars caused by disparities and inequalities among individuals, nations, and states, and to achieve peace and happiness for humanity. For him, “equality” held intrinsic value as an essential element for realizing peaceful coexistence between the individual and the community. In conclusion, Jo So-ang’s doctrine of “Three Equalities,” which advocates a “democratic republic” based on equality and emphasizes “equality” as a core value for the coexistence of individuals and the community, holds significant value as a discourse on the future community of the Republic of Korea.