New Books in Academia and Intellectual Thought This Week

This week's academic and intellectual book reviews in The Hankyoreh delve into profound philosophical and historical inquiries, offering readers a chance to engage with complex ideas from both Korean and international thinkers.

'The Sorcery of Sensation' by Ji-eun is presented as a unique exploration of human existence, positioning individuals as beings intrinsically linked to the world through their physical experiences. The review highlights how the author, who holds credentials in cultural ecology, philosophy, and even magic, uses ancient myths and indigenous traditions to define language not merely as communication but as a fundamental, embodied interaction with the 'beyond-human' world.

'Revisiting Donghak,' authored by scholars from the Korean Philosophy Association, offers a contemporary re-evaluation of the Donghak movement. The book frames Donghak not just as a historical event but as a vital fusion of thought and practice that responded to the collapse of the old world order. It emphasizes Donghak's role in fostering personal cultivation, community ethics, and a political pursuit of an egalitarian society, underscoring its enduring relevance.

The section also introduces David Hume's seminal 1748 work, 'An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding.' The review emphasizes Hume's radical departure from the prevailing belief in infallible reason, arguing instead that all human inference and knowledge are rooted in experience and imagination. This perspective is presented as a call for intellectual humility and a caution against dogmatic metaphysics.

Further intellectual depth is provided by discussions on Jeong Do-jeon's role in shaping the Joseon Dynasty and an analysis of how Korean intellectuals grappled with post-colonial trauma by constructing the discourse of 'East Asia.' These reviews invite readers to consider the foundational ideas that shaped Korean history and the ongoing intellectual efforts to define identity in a globalized world.