“李约瑟之谜”研究述评

The Research Appraisal of Needham Thesis

对于李约瑟提出的“为什么近代科学不在中国文明 (或印度文明 )中间产生 ,而只在欧洲发达起来” ,众多学者试图做出解答 ,其中较具代表性的有 :“官僚体制”说、文化影响论、“高水平均衡陷阱”说、“人口规模 +科举制”说、整体研究论等。在对这些解释进行简要评价的基础上指出 ,对“李约瑟之谜”的全面回答实际上超出了科技史范围 。

Numerous scholars attempt to answer the question on what Needham brought up: why didn't modern science emerge in Chinese civilization(Indian civilization), but developed in Europe. The typical theories are High-level Equilibrium Trap Theory, Population Scale Plus Imperial Examination System Theory, Bureaucratic System Theory, Total Research Theory and Cultural Influence Theory, etc. On basis of brief appraisal on these theories, this article points out that the overall answer on Needham Thesis surpasses the range of science and technology history and greatly deepens our understanding on history development.