The Korean Neo-Confucianism of Yi Yulgok

This scholarly work provides a comprehensive examination of Yi Yulgok's innovative approach to Neo-Confucian philosophy, focusing on how this 16th-century Korean thinker creatively reinterpreted classical Confucian principles. The book meticulously analyzes Yulgok's distinctive philosophical framework, particularly his 'non-dualistic' worldview that challenges traditional binary thinking in Confucian metaphysics. Readers will encounter detailed explorations of how Yulgok's system integrates metaphysical concepts with practical ethics, creating a cohesive philosophical vision that transformed Korean intellectual history.

What makes this study particularly valuable is its focus on Yulgok's 'anthropocosmic' perspective—the idea that humanity and cosmos form an inseparable unity rather than separate realms. The author skillfully demonstrates how this foundational assumption informed every aspect of Yulgok's thought, from his metaphysics to his political philosophy. This book will especially resonate with students of comparative philosophy and those interested in how Korean thinkers uniquely adapted Chinese philosophical traditions, offering fresh insights into one of East Asia's most sophisticated philosophical systems.