本論文所討論的「四端七情」之辯，是韓國儒學史上最重要的論爭。由此一論辯，可以看出李退溪雖然對朱子學有全面而深入的了解，但他的「理到」說，顯示了與朱子思想的不同。依退溪，理有其活動性。此一說法，如果以當代儒學研究成果來對照，很可以見出其中的意義。

　　　　　The debate on the “Four clues and seven Emotions” touched on here is regarded as the most important argument about Confucian philosophy in Korean Confucianism. Although Yi T'oegye (李退溪) had a thorough understanding of Chu Hsi thought, but his “doctrine of li-tao” (理到說) expressed some philosophical differences. In T'oegye's opinion, reason has its activity. The significance of T'oegye's opinion may be understood in contrast with the achievements of contemporary Cnfucianism.