The Principle of Qing Zhong in Social Economics: Philosophical Reflections Based on the Treatise “Guanzi”

The article conducts a study of the principle of qing zhong (“light and heavy”) from the treatise “Guan zi” from a philosophical perspective in the context of so­cial economics. The provisions of “Guan zi” related to economic thought are studied and systematized. The origin and development of the qing zhong princi­ple, the philosophical principles behind the understanding of the relationship be­tween money and goods, grain and other material resources, as well as their ap­plication in trade are considered. The significance of qing zhong for domestic economic policy and international relations and the philosophical content behind the changes in the characteristics of “light and heavy” are analyzed. In conclu­sion, the significance of the qing zhong principle for modern society in terms of dialectical thinking, systemic concepts, and balancing values is revealed.