Abstract
Equilibrium and commonality is a key concept in Chinese philosophy and is also called equilibrium (中), equilibrium and harmony (中和) and the middle path (中道). There are two main dimensions to its content. First, it refers to the constant way which is never in excess and never insufficient and functions in practical, daily affairs. Second, it refers to the “function of harmony” which is the functioning and the basic principle of harmony.
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Notes
- 1.
Slingerland (2003: 40). Throughout this translation, I have consulted Slingerland’s translation of the Analects and often based my own translations on his.
- 2.
Van Nordern (2008: 50). Throughout this translation, I have consulted Van Nordern’s translation of the Mencius and often based my own translations on his.
References
Slingerland, Edward. 2003. Confucius Analects: With Selections from Traditional Commentaries. Trans. Edward Slingerland. Indianapolis and Cambridge: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.
Van Norden, Bryan W. 2008. Mengzi: With Selections from Traditional Commentaries. Indianapolis/Cambridge: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.
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Wang, Y., Bao, Q., Guan, G. (2020). Equilibrium and Commonality (zhongyong, 中庸). In: History of Chinese Philosophy Through Its Key Terms. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-2572-8_34
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-2572-8_34
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