On Zhongyong Rationality: The Confucian Doctrine of the Mean as a Missing Link between Instrumental Rationality and Communicative Rationality

• Published in: Asian Journal of Social Science Vol. 31; no. 1; pp. 107 - 127
• Main Authors: Cheung, Tak-Sing, Yang, Chung-Fang, Chiu, Chi-Yue, King, Ambrose Yeo-Chi, Chan, Kin-Man, Chan, Hoi-Man
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Netherlands BRILL 2003
• Subjects: Action theory; Anthropology; Communication; Communicative Action; Conflict Resolution; Confucianism; Confucius; Enlightenment; Frankfurt School; General Articles; Habermas, Jurgen; Jürgen Habermas; Max Weber; Mode of action; Modernity; Moral principles; Peoples Republic of China; Philosophy; Ponds; Rational choice theory; Rationality; Reason; Rural Communities; Social Action; Social doctrines; Social sciences; Sociological theory; Sociology; Villages; Weber, Max
• ISSN: 1568-4849; 1568-5314; 2212-3857; 1568-4849
• DOI: 10.1163/156853103764778559

An exploration of the importance of the Confucian precept of zhongyong to the project of modernity argues that this Confucian doctrine of the mean also represents a rational mode of action. The zhongyong presumption of a holistic perspective is seen as likely to provide a socio-psychological impetus for rational communication. Theoretical discourses on rationality & modernity by the Enlightenment thinkers, Max Weber, & the Frankfurt School are reviewed along with Jurgen Habermas's construct of communicative rationality. Special attention is given to the close identification of zhongyong rationality with the moral principles of Confucianism & its problematical role in conflict resolution. An empirical study of conflict resolution in the rural People's Republic of China that analyzes 150 cases of disputes about the management of village affairs is examined to support the argument that the relationship between zhongyong & the substantive oral principles of Confucianism is not necessarily intrinsic. It is concluded that, by displacing efficiency with temperance, zhongyong allows the actor to consider collective interests as equal to his/her own, thereby promoting the Confucian value of harmonious co-existence without renouncing instrumental reason. 49 References. J. Lindroth