Hong Dae-yong

Hong Taeyong (; 12 May 1731 – 17 November 1783), art name Tamhŏn , was a philosopher, astronomer and mathematician of the late Joseon Kingdom.

Hong was an early leader of the Profitable Usage and Benefiting the People 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 Pak Chiwŏn, who was another leader of the Profitable Usage school.

Biography

Hong Taeyong 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 , 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.

In 1774, Hong was recommended as a mentor for the crown prince, who afterwards would be King Jeongjo. Hong discussed many topics and themes with the crown prince. Although the prince was satisfied with Hong's studies and polymathy, they had different views. The crown prince demanded Hong to go into government service and serve him, but Hong refused. He then wrote Journal as the Mentor of Crown Prince about their debates.

After King Jeongjo ascended the throne following the death of the King Yeongjo, Hong was appointed as a local county governor, but had to resign and go back to Seoul when his mother's health deteriorated in 1782. In 1783, his mother regained her health, but Hong had a sudden stroke. He would not make it by morning, and died the next day. It was 23 October according to the Lunisolar calendar and 17 November 1783 according to the Solar calendar.

Works

Hong was interested in astronomy and mathematics. He maintained the rotundity of the Earth and Earth's rotation, which was rejected by Traditional Confucianists who thought the sky was globular and the ground was square. Also, he firmly rejected anthropocentrism, thinking all things in nature are equal.

After failing the gwageo a few times, Hong gave up and became absorbed in astronomy research. He wrote Catechism of Eusan mountain , which contains the concepts of Earth's rotation and the equality among species and the infinity of outer space. In mathematics, Hong wrote Interpretation and Usage of Mathematics . He also wrote Travel Essay of Yanjing in 1765 and 1766 , a journal about his travel to China.

Legacy

Hong's works, including Catechism of Ui mountain, Interpretation and Usage of Mathematics, Journal as the Mentor of Crown Prince were compiled to collection, Books of Relaxed House . His practical Confucian ideas were succeeded by Pak Chiwŏn and Pak's disciples, but his scientific thought and research were succeeded by nobody.