“李约瑟悖论”的理论内涵与经济背景

The Theoretical Connotation and Economic Background of “Needham's Paradox”

"李约瑟难题",是一个具有历史价值和现实意义并具学术魅力的课题。本文根据李约瑟自己对相关几个悖论的分析,称为"李约瑟悖论"。正是李约瑟对"中国无科学论""制度抑制发明论"和"中国文明停滞论"三种观点的分析批驳,形成了"李约瑟悖论"的三重理论内涵。在此基础上,从中西科学形态、制度形态、文明形态三个层面的比较,较为深刻地揭示了中国近代科学技术落后的内在原因与制度根源,也是对李约瑟悖论的一种诠释,而这本来就是李约瑟悖论的应有之义。通过对中西科学技术和经济增长的大跨度历史分析与比较,进一步考察了"李约瑟悖论"的经济背景,并分别阐述了对李约瑟悖论的科学学解释与经济学解释。

＂Needham＇s Question＂ is an intriguing academic topic that has both historical value and practical significance. The term ＂Needham＇s Paradox＂ refers to a group of interrelated paradoxes as analyzed by Needham himself. Needham engaged in critical analysis on three theoretical viewpoints, namely, ＂not having science in China Chinese institutions inhibited invention＂ and ＂there was a great stagnation in the development of Chinese civilization＂, which collectively constitute ＂Needham＇s Paradox＂. It is on this theoretical foundation that this paper explores the inner reason and institution root of the relative weakness of science and technology in Modem China deeply by comparing China and The West from three perspectives： form of science, form of institution and form of civilization, and it should also be a kind of interpretation of ＂Needham＇s Paradox＂. The economic background of the ＂Needham＇s Paradox＂ is investigated and the ＂Needham＇s Paradox＂ is explained in Science of Science and Economics further by analyzing and comparing the historical development of science, technology and economic growth in China and The West.