Donghak (Eastern Learning), Self-Other, and Social Transformation: Toward Diverse Curriculum Discourses on Equity and Justice

• In Event: Cross-Cultural Dialogues on Public Scholarship: Rethinking Self-Other, Community, and Social Change

Abstract

Objectives
Donghak has a unique understanding of the relationship between human and heaven and contributes to enrich discourse in public scholarship and social transformation. This inquiry generates a cross-cultural, interdisciplinary dialogue to extend the existing interpretation of Donghak, drawing from multiple perspectives in theorizing public scholarship and social transformation.

Perspectives
The major theory of Donghak is Shi—that is to serve God within self. In Donghak, the interaction among people is not anthropocentric communication among people. Rather, it is exchanges of Gods in each of us. The inter-relationality among the subjectivities, which is operated by qi, challenges the Western, humanistic dichotomy of self and other.

Methods and Modes of Inquiry
This research is predominantly a philosophical inquiry that theorizes Donghak’s epistemology, ontology, and cosmology. It purports to provide implications for diversity in education and social transformation. The major texts include Donggyeong Daejon (Great Scripture of Eastern Learning) and Yongdam Yousah (Literature for People). Reviewing and analyzing both primary and secondary literature about Donghak are the scale of this project.

Data Sources and Analysis
I apply Haggerson’s (1991) critical philosophical inquiry as a method. It is to use philosophy, reflexive thinking, and critical analysis about literature in order to advance discourses in the field. I utilize Donggyeong Daejon and Yongdam Yousah as the primary sources and add the secondary sources to interpret the text with multiple perspectives.

Results
I create discourse on equity and social transformation: 1) children’s right movement, 2) the issue of social transformation, and 3) here and now philosophy. Children’s right movement in Korea is outstanding influenced by Donghak. Founded upon the belief of Shi-that is serving God within a person, Donghak offers the provocative idea that “Even children bear and serve God within them, and adults should not treat the God with discrimination or abusive behavior.” Second, Su-un was active in social transformation, and this powerful idea insisting on participation in the earthly political, social, and economic systems stems from his belief that authentic salvation is correcting social ills “here and now” rather than anticipating the “real” after the persecution. Donghak also changed the view of women by recognizing their equal dignity and important roles that women play in the family and society (Kim, 2006).
Third, in imagining a different community, Donghak provides the idea of overcoming Gakjawishim (selfish-mind) and creating a cosmological community (Dong-gui-ilche). Su-un witnessed the individualistic, egoistic mind embedded within the Western imperialism. Donghak provides a vision for salvation that is not on a personal level, but on a universal level to unite with the Ultimate Energy, making cosmological communities

Scholarly significance
The examination of Donghak’s epistemology is significant in providing a new paradigm to the world about democratic ideals and their practices. Most notably, we are living in a global society where new epistemology is required for challenging the current neoliberal, market-oriented social and educational practice. Donghak provides democratic ideals of human dignity regardless of cultural background.

Author

• Seungho Moon, Loyola University Chicago