Real Learning Philosophy and the Viewpoints on Novels in The Catalogue of Si Ku Quan Shu

In The catalogue of si ku quan shu, novels are listed under the category of Zi and the viewpoints on novels are reflected in two aspects. Firstly, the position of novels had a much lower position in the catalogue, lower than historical records, episodes, and even classics. Secondly, novels must have social functions, namely, to exhort and inspire, broaden knowledge and provide information. Under the influence of real learning philosophy, The catalogue of si ku quan shu chose to carry forward the novel concepts of Ban Gu in Han dynasty, deserting the novel concepts of Liu Zhiji and Hu Yinglin. The catalogue pointed out that despite the lower social position, novels should still play their roles in serving the country as well as educating the people.This novel concept ensured the unity of the style of the novel, but emphasized the social value of the novel and ignored its aesthetic value.