Emotions in Korean Philosophy and Religion

This pioneering book presents thirteen articles on the fascinating topic of emotions (jeong 情) in Korean philosophy and religion. Its introductory chapter comprehensively provides a textual, philosophical, ethical, and religious background on this topic in terms of emotions West and East, emotions in the Chinese and Buddhist traditions, and Korean perspectives. Chapters 2 to 5 of part I discuss key Korean Confucian thinkers, debates, and ideas. Chapters 6 to 8 of part II offer comparative thoughts from Confucian moral, political, and social angles. Chapters 9 to 12 of part III deal with contemporary Buddhist and eco-feminist perspectives. The concluding chapter discusses ground-breaking insights into the diversity, dynamics, and distinctiveness of Korean emotions.

This is an open access book.

“This new volume … in Korean philosophy and religion will, without doubt, significantly contribute to the widening dialogue on the importance of Confucian ideals for our current global age. … the text is an interesting compilation that covers many important aspects of Korean philosophies and religions.” (Lehel Balogh, Religious Studies Review, Vol. 49 (3), September, 2023)

“This compelling, thoroughly well-researched collection of essays extends—in invaluable ways—the advancing cross-cultural, transdisciplinary dialogue among philosophers and theorists of emotion. The insights found in the pages connect and enrich a broad range of interrelated fields.” (Donovan O. Schaefer, Associate professor of  Religious Studies, University of Pennsylvania, USA)

“This anthology is a tour de force, offering penetrating insights on the quintessential nature of the Korean way of emotions in the context of philosophy and religion. I highly recommend it.” (Halla Kim, Professor of Philosophy, Sogang University, Korea)

“With nuanced explorations of jeong (emotion) in the Korean tradition and its social, political, and ethical ramifications, the volume opens a new horizon in our understanding of emotion and its relevance to Asian and intercultural philosophy.” (Jin Y. Park, Professor of Philosophy and Religion, American University, USA)

“This booktakes ‘emotions’ as a key to understanding Korean philosophy and the East Asian intellectual and religious traditions. . . as an integral part of understanding human beings.” (Young-chan Ro, Professor of Religious Studies, George Mason University, USA)

“This pioneering and exciting volume offers fascinating insights concerning emotions from the perspective of diverse Korean philosophies/religions. This work will be of great interest to those who study Korean, Asian, comparative philosophy/religion, and also to those who wish to gain a broader philosophical understanding of emotions.” (Jung-Yeup Kim, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Kent State University, USA)

Edward Y. J. Chung is Professor of Religious Studies, Asian Studies Director, and Korean Studies Project Director at the University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada. 

Jea Sophia Oh is Associate Professor of Philosophy at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, USA. Her research primarily focuses on Asian and comparative philosophies, religion and ecology, and postcolonial theory.