The NCL, in collaboration with Kyungpook National University, cohosted the lecture titled " Jeong Dasan’s theory of mind and nature: A Discussion from the Perspective of Western Concept of the Soul" on December 1st. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Lin, Yueh-hui, a Research Fellow at Institute of Chinese Literature and Philosophy, Academia Sinica. Prof. An Chan Soon from the Department of Chinese Language and Literature at Kyungpook National University served as the interpreter for the event.
    In the lecture, Prof. Lin elucidated how Jeong Dasan (Jeong Yak-yong,1762-1836), a leading figure of Silhak (實學, practical learning), employed the Western concept of the soul to re-evaluate the philosophical foundations of Neo-Confucianism. Jeong 's innovative approach involved deconstructing the traditional understanding of mind, nature, and virtue and reconstructing them into a unified concept. Prof. Lin expressed her hope that the introduction of this heterogenous Western thought, and framework would stimulate and transform the Confucian tradition in a creative manner.
    Following the lecture, there was an active Q&A session with scholars and students. Prof. Lin responded to all questions and expressed her hope that this lecture would foster further dialogue and exchange between Korean and Taiwanese scholars on Jeong Dasan 's thought.