Some Reflections on Joseph Needham's Intellectual Heritage.
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Peer-reviewed
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Authors
Mei, Jianjun https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8942-8633
Abstract
In this essay, I reflect on Joseph Needham's intellectual heritage, its impact on understanding the world history of knowledge circulation, and its broad influence on generations of scholars. I present two case studies of paktong and iron/steel to show what Needham himself achieved and what recent progress has been made, highlighting the change of research paradigm from a patriotic or nationalistic approach to a global history approach. I argue that Needham's work still sets a marker for ongoing research in many respects and that, especially, his cross-culturally comparative approach to global circulations of knowledge and technology remains of deep relevance to contemporary scholars.
Description
Keywords
50 Philosophy and Religious Studies, 5002 History and Philosophy Of Specific Fields
Journal Title
Technol Cult
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Journal ISSN
0040-165X
1097-3729
1097-3729
Volume Title
60
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Project MUSE
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All rights reserved