Hong Daeyong | |
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Portrait by Um-Sung
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Born |
South Chungcheong Province, Joseon |
12 May 1731
Died | 17 November 1783 Hanseong, Joseon |
(aged 52)
Cause of death | Stroke |
Nationality | Joseon |
Other names | Damheon |
Notable work | Books of Relaxed House |
Era | 18th-century philosophy |
Region | Korean Confucianism |
School | Silhak |
Notable ideas
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Earth's rotation, Anti-Anthropocentrism |
Influences
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Influenced
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Hong Daeyong (Hangul: 홍대용; Hanja: 洪大容; 12 May 1731 – 17 November 1783), styled Damheon (Hangul: 담헌; Hanja: 湛軒, "Relaxed house") was a philosopher, astronomer and mathematician of the late Joseon Kingdom. Hong was an early leader of the Profitable Usage and Benefiting the People (Hangul: 이용후생파; Hanja: 利用厚生派; RR: Iyong Husaeng-pa) school of thought. It worked to promote the industrialization of his country and the development of trade by positively introducing Western technologies to Joseon Korea. Hong was a friend of Park Ji-won, who was another leader of the Profitable Usage school.
Hong Daeyong was born in 1731 in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province. In his early days, Hong was educated by Kim One-hang of Seock-sil Seowon. During this period, traditional Neo-Confucianism formed the basis of his academic world. In 1765, Hong followed his uncle Hong Eock(Hangul: 홍억; Hanja: 洪檍), who was in Joseon missions to Imperial China. In China, Hong witnessed a brilliant development of Qing Dynasty and experienced culture shock. After returning to Joseon, Hong insisted enhancing the national prosperity.