耿定向と張居正

Abstract

Geng Dingxiang (1524-1598) adopted as his fundamental principle, the notion of Burongyi 不容已, the explanation and approbation of the established norms, values in Confucial society as a natural result of human feelings. As a corollary to this, he criticized the disloyalty of Feng Dao 馮道 and the elopement of Sima Xiangru 司馬相如, Geng's philosophical position thus represented a remarkable contrast to that of Li Zhi 李贄 (1527-1583). In 1562, Geng Dingxiang was appointed education intendant in Nanji 南畿督學 on the recommendation of Xu Jie 徐階 (1503-1583). His activities as a scholar during his term of office were numerous and varied. In addition to establishing private academies and sponsoring academic meetings 講會, he was also expected to function as a central figure in academic circles. When Zhang Juzheng (1525-1582) chose to remain in office after his father's death in 1577, Geng voiced his approval of this and compared Zhang's decision to the example of Yi Yin 伊尹 Although Li Zhi's approval of Zhang Juzheng's behavior is consistent with his approval of Feng Dao and Li Xian 李賢, Geng's approval of Zhang's Duoqing 奪情 was generally regarded as motivated by the desire to flatter the position of senior grand secretary 首輔. Geng Dingxiang also defended Zhang's suppression of activitiesin academic circles, asserting that what Zhang opposed was not learning itself but rather "empty discussion". Geng urged his confreres to reflection their own activities, rather than criticize Zhang. When He Xinyin 何心隱 was arrested in 1579, Geng Dingxiang, as well as Li Youzi 李幼滋, stood by as He was executedin prison. It was only after Zhang's death that Geng Dingxiang specifically criticized Zhang for his suppression of activities in academic circles. It may be concluded, therefore, that Geng Dingxiang was a scholar typical of his time, who had no choice but to yield to the authority and acquiesce to the suppression of Zhang Juzheng.