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Yi I (Yulgok)

1536–1584

A first way ina deliberate simplification – the portrait says more

All our feelings arise from vital energy, with principle only riding along on it – and this view should guide practical reform of the state.

Placement

East Asian Philosophy · East Asia · Metaphysics, Ethics, Politics & Law

Korean Neo-Confucian and reformer: against Yi Hwang, only material force (qi) issues feelings, while principle (li) “rides” on it.

Key ideas

  • Qi issues, li rides
  • Four–Seven Debate
  • Practical reform

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Influence

Influenced by 1

  • Zhu Xi

    influenced by

    Yi I (Yulgok) recast Zhu Xi’s theory of principle and material force as the idea that principle runs through all things while material force sets their limits (itong giguk; letters to Seong Hon, 1572). Yi I, letters to Seong Hon (1572); Seonghak jibyo (1575); E. Y. J. Chung, The Korean Neo-Confucianism of Yi T’oegye and Yi Yulgok (1995); M. C. Kalton et al., The Four-Seven Debate (1994)

    Evidence: AI draft

    Zhu Xi › 1130–1200

Criticism

Criticizes 1

  • Yi Hwang

    criticised

    Yi I (Yulgok) rejected Yi Hwang’s view that principle (li) and material force (qi) each ‘issue’ feelings: only qi issues, with li riding upon it (Four–Seven Debate). Yi I, letters to Seong Hon (1572); M. Kalton et al., The Four-Seven Debate, 1994

    Evidence: AI draft

    Yi Hwang › 1501–1570

Works

Position

In the Four–Seven Debate on how Mencius’ four sprouts of virtue relate to the seven emotions, Yi Hwang had held that the four issue from principle (li) and the seven from material force (qi). In letters to Seong Hon from 1572, Yulgok replied that only qi can issue: li “rides” on it as its pattern, so there is only one path. The four sprouts are the good part of the seven emotions, not a separate source; li is universal, while qi particularises. He stressed sincerity and submitted bold reform memorials on taxation and administration. His school and Yi Hwang’s shaped Korean Neo-Confucianism, and its factions, for centuries.

Life & context

Yi I, known by his pen name Yulgok, was born in 1536 in Gangneung; his mother, Sin Saimdang, was a celebrated painter and poet. After her death he spent a year in a Buddhist monastery, which opponents later held against him. According to tradition he took first place in nine state examinations. He visited Yi Hwang in 1558, held high offices under King Seonjo and died in 1584.

Further main works

  • Questions and Answers at the Eastern Lake (Dongho mundap, 1569)
  • Essentials for Overcoming Ignorance (Gyeongmong yogyeol, 1577)

Sources: Wikipedia · Wikidata

As of November 2026 · Sources · Improve this page · How Agora is made

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