Scientificism in Modern Chinese Thought (1900-1950)

Author: Guo Yingyi (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: After the turn of the 20th century, the Chinese intellectual world underwent significant transformations in traditional cultural values. Among the most profound changes was the emergence and development of scientism. It posited that all aspects of the universe could be understood through scientific methods, and that science could and should become a new religion. This worship of science led to major debates in modern Chinese thought and paved the way for the comprehensive victory of "scientific" Marxism in China. This book provides an in-depth analysis of the origins of scientism and its development in China, the 1920s "Science-Anti-Science" debate, and the ideological essence of various scientism proponents.