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The Shadow of Reason: Neo-Confucianism and the Stagnation of Technological Development in Late Imperial China

Scholars of sinology have for many years attempted to get satisfactory answers to the Needham Question from a cultural perspective. In the hope of coming up with more specific viewpoints from empirical investigations towards the question, Qing Wang, a doctoral student in economics at Renmin University of China, brings in his hypothesis about the long-term negative effects of neo-Confucianism on the development of science and technology in China. His central hypothesis is that the rise of neo-Confucianism, i.e., Li (Chinese: 理) which literally means “rational principles”, in the Song Dynasty suppressed Song literati intellectually in their scientific explorations, and also at the time of career choice. This could have led to a severe depletion of scientific and technological knowledge and the subsequent stagnation of technological development in late imperial China.

In this Quantitative History Webinar, Qing Wang will explain the compilation of empirical datasets of scientific and technical personnel for the construction of “Introspection Index” by looking at the number of exemplary women Lienu (Chinese: 列女) and biographies Renwu (Chinese: 人物) listed in the Comprehensive Gazetteer of the Great Qing. His findings suggest that for those prefectures with higher Introspection Index, the lower the probability of the literati participating in scientific and technological explorations. This study not only deepens critical understanding of Confucianism and its relations with contemporary technological development realties, but also constitutes part of the studies in science development and human capital.

Language: Conducted in Mandarin

The Quantitative History Webinar Series, convened by Professor Zhiwu Chen and Dr. Chicheng Ma of The University of Hong Kong (HKU), aims to provide researchers, teachers and students with an online intellectual platform to keep up to date with the latest research in the field, promoting the dissemination of research findings and interdisciplinary use of quantitative methods in historical research. The Series is co-organized by the International Society for Quantitative History, HKU Business School, and the Asia Global Institute (AGI).

Conveners:
Professor Zhiwu Chen
Dr. Chicheng Ma