当代中国“科技”概念的重思与辩护

Rethinking and Defending the Concept of “Sci-tech” in Contemporary China

对于“科技”概念在当代中国的流行,由科学与技术关系出发的批判立场较为常见。不少科学家和哲学家批评其打乱了科学与技术的关系,担心偏向于“技术”而非“科学”。追溯“科技”概念在当代中国的演进可以发现,前身是近代出现的“科学技术”,其生成于中华人民共和国成立前夕,流行于改革开放以来。进一步,应当转变解读“科技”概念的视角,基于科学与技术如何发生关系的辩护立场也有其路径。“科技”概念的生成符合中国语境与时代背景,其流行推动生产力、组织力和创新力。如今无须纠结于概念的影响如何,而应在认可“科技”的基础之上,营造鼓励求真与致用相结合的制度环境,为创新的活动领域开疆拓土。

Criticism on the popularity of the concept “sci-tech” in contemporary China on the basis of the relationship between science and technology is common.Many scientists and philosophers think that the term “sci-tech” conflates science and technology.“Sci-tech” is an abbreviation of “science and technology” appearing in modern times.The term “sci-tech” was seen as early as late 1940 s and has been popular since the late 1970 s.The concept “sci-tech” should be viewed in its specific historical context promoting productivity, organization, and innovation.With this knowledge in mind, we should make effort to promote scientific innovation and technological revolution.