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

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

Silhak thinkers like Yu Hyeong-won and Jeong Yak-yong 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 empiricism 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 practical knowledge 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 social reform 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