Revisiting the Needham Question

In the 1930s, British historian of science Joseph Needham (1900-1995) publicly questioned why modern science had not recently developed in Chinese civilization after it had been much more efficient in applying natural human knowledge to practical human needs than the Western world from the first century B.C. to the 15th century A.D.

On the 120th anniversary of Needham’s birth, we are taking another look at the question he raised. It’s not about recognizing that the Needham Question is a pseudo-question. Actually, the question was inspired by Needham’s love for China and his enthusiasm for understanding China and positioning the then-marginal Eastern civilization on an equal footing with Europe.

Sanlian Life Week November 11, 2020