How Neo-Confucianism Influenced Decision-Making of the Joseon Elite During the Imjin War of 1592-98

Abstract

There are several ways in which the philosophy of Neo-Confucianism influenced the decision-making process of the Joseon ruling elite during the Japanese invasion of 1592-1598. First, it influenced leadership selection through the gwageo (Joseon civil- service examinations) based on the successful memorization of Neo-Confucian literature. The gwageo as well as lineage were used as the main leadership selection criteria for the sadeabu (scholar-officials) that populated all high-level civil and military leadership positions within Joseon. The Imjin War of 1592 would demonstrate that the Joseon selection process was a near complete failure for selecting effective leaders in times of war. Secondly, the concept of zhengming (rectification of names) influenced decision making because it inadvertently limited the available manpower for both agriculture production and military conscription during the war due to the exclusion of secondary sons and slaves. Thirdly, philosophical interpretation of Neo-Confucian concepts led to intense factional strife in the Joseon court as the two main factions devoted their energies to battling each other and demoting appointed officers and government officials which had dire consequences during the war. Fourthly, the Neo-Confucian concepts of yi (righteousness) as well as the process of self-cultivation embodied by the sarim sajok (rural scholars devoted to self-cultivation) would contribute to the creation of uibyeong (Righteous Armies) which played an essential part in the first year of the war. In addition, the Battles of Chinju in 1592 and 1593 would violate the of the principle of ren (benevolence/humanity/goodness) and would lead to the Ming withdraw from negotiations with the Japanese and the Joseon’s rejection of any compromises towards ending hostilities. Lastly, the war would demonstrate how the decision-making of King Seonjo went against the established Neo-Confucian concept of “sage king.” Confucius believed that an effective ruler or official was required to ethically develop himself in order to understand human nature enough to properly choose advisors and leaders that would truthfully and wholeheartedly uphold the ideals and principles of Neo-Confucian governing. In contrast to King Seonjo, throughout the war Ryu Seongnyong would best embody the “sage” concept of a proper Neo-Confucian leader.