This unique volume of original essays presents in-depth analyses of representative periods, problems, and debates within the long and rich history of Korean philosophy. It provides the reader with a sense of the problems that motivated thinkers within the tradition and the kinds of arguments that characterize their reflections. With contributions from some of the best and most significant contemporary Korean philosophers, this volume marks an important new stage in the Western-language study and appreciation of Korean philosophy. In order for philosophy to be understood and appreciatedas philosophy it must at some point be presented and evaluated as the human effort to understand problems through a process of careful and sustained analysis and argument. This anthology offers Western readers the first opportunity to meet and engage with traditional Korean Buddhist and Confucian philosophy on these terms.

Youngsun Back is an Assistant Professor at the College of Confucian Studies& Eastern Philosophy, Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea.

Philip J. Ivanhoe is Professor of East Asian and Comparative Philosophy and Religion and Director of the Center for East Asian and Comparative Philosophy at City University of Hong Kong. His many publications includeConfucian Reflections (2013),The Reception and Rendition of Freud in China(co-edited with Tao Jiang, 2013),Mortality in Traditional Chinese Thought(co-edited with Amy Olberding, 2011) andTaking Confucian Ethics Seriously (co-edited with Kam-por Yu and Julia Tao, 2011).

Acknowledgments / Conventions / Introduction / 1. From Structure to Action: The Concepts of Substance (che) and Function (yong) in Gwon Geuns PhilosophyHalla Kim / 2. Another Look at Yi Hwangs Views aboutLiand Qi: A Case of Time-lag in the Transmission of Chinese Originals to KoreaYung SikKim / 3. TheLi-Qi Structures of the Four Beginnings and the Seven Emotions and the Aim of the Four-Seven DebatesHyoungchan Kim /4. Yi Yulgok and His Contributions to Korean Confucianism: A Non-dualistic ApproachYoung-chan Ro /5. Human Nature and Animal Nature: The Horak Debate and Its Philosophical SignificanceRichard Kim /6. Jeong Yakyongs Post Neo-ConfucianismSo-Yi Chung / 7. The Lord on High (Sangje) in Jeong Yakyongs ThoughtSoon-woo Chung / 8. How do Sages Differ from the Rest of Us?: The Views of Zhu Xi and Jeong YakyongYoungsun Back /9. The Way to Become a Female Sage: Im Yunjidangs Confucian FeminismSungmoon Kim /10. Burdens of Modernity: Baek Seonguk and the Formation of Modern Korean Buddhist PhilosophyJin Y. Park / Works Cited / Index