Zhonglun 中論

Zhonglun 中論 "Discussions on the mean Way" is a political treatise written during the very late Han period 後漢 (25-220 CE) by Xu Gan 徐幹 (170-217). Of the original 6 juan, only 2 are preserved, containing 20 chapters. It is known that at least two chapters mentioned in older sources are lost (Fusannian sang 復三年喪, Zhiyi 制役) since the Song period 宋 (960-1279).

The book is traditionally classified as a Confucian treatise because ritual, etiquette and benevolence are stressed as the basis for a good government. From the viewpoint of a ruler or a government, developing the proper moral background is more important than caring for details. Xu Gan criticised the Confucians of his days because they were more occupied with tools, objects, instruments, terms and designations, exegesis and interpretation of the old writings instead of living a moral life in the Confucian sense. Sincere and upright behaviour has to come first, and the realities of a society based on a moral fundament would automatically lead to the correct designations and regulations in ceremonial and ritual matters.

The Zhonglun is included in the series Han-Wei congshu 漢魏叢書, Xiaowanjuanlou congshu 小萬卷樓叢書, Sibu congkan 四部叢刊, Siku quanshu 四庫全書, Congshu jicheng 叢書集成 and Baizi quanshu 百子全書.