부산대학교 도서관

This thesis explores the emergence of the Taewonji and the Cubic-shaped earth Theory in the early 18th century. While these concepts accepted concept of a round earth from western cosmology, they still maintained traditional East Asian cosmological frameworks, thereby exhibiting a commonality in their synthesis. This thesis examines this commonality as a result of the discourse prevalent in the early 18th century. Initially, Taewonji provides a narrative context to understand the psyche and thought structures underlying the synthesis of Western cosmology and traditional East Asian cosmology. The Western worldview produced two results: first, it disrupted Sinocentrism. Second, it brought ruptures to the harmonious cosmic order based on the principles of yin-yang and the Five Elements. Thus the Western worldview imposed a materialistic view of the Earth and the universe, bolstered by scientific rationality. Taewonji depicts catastrophic events such as large holes, dark energies, changes in planetary orbits, and comets, which seem to represent the latter rather than the former. While the disruption of Sinocentrism can be overcome by Small- Sinocentrism, Taewonji mentions it as an option for Joseon but soon negates it. Moreover, successive disasters leave the protagonist's party adrift in the vast sea, symbolizing their disorientation. This suggests that Taewonji expresses deeper ruptures-the anxieties regarding the cosmic order. Taewonji also presents solutions to these problematic situations. It embraces the Western worldview as a materialistic worldview but posits the traditional worldview as a 'center' beyond it in the form of a spiritual worldview. Thus, while individual pairs of correlative cosmologies may not align with the real world, beyond them, the center based on traditional cosmologies such as yin-yang and the mandate of heaven still exists and is considered beyond human finite knowledge. Taewonji expresses these solutions through resolute wise guidance of heaven and the unification by Yim-seong. The narrative context of Taewonji also aids in understanding the Cubic-shaped earth Theory. Despite facing criticism for its seemingly irrational aspects, similar to Taiwonji, what the Cubic-shaped earth theory sought was the cosmic truth beyond the Western worldview. Thus, Taewonji and the Cubic-shaped earth theory hold significance as illustrations of efforts to blend Western earth theory with the Cheonwonjibang(天圓地方) during the first half of the 18th century, a period marked by significant influence from the Western worldview.