Needham Problem With The Education System Of The Ming And Qing Dynasties

The thesis adopts the historical comparative method and analyzes the distinguishing characteristics of education institution in Ming and Qing Dynasties and of contemporaneous one in the West. It attempts to give its-own solution to Joseph Needham's Problem. The thesis indicates that education policy as well as instructional contents in Ming and Qing Dynasties lagged far behind the West. The education policies issued by the Ming and Qing governments paid little attention to the development of science and technology, particularly imperial examination system dominated the school policy and excluded the science and technology education. Contents about science and technology were excluded from the curriculums, teaching materials and examination contents not only in the imperial school but also in the Academy. Exploration into the relationship between education institution and the science and technology in Ming and Qing Dynasties and its influence to China's underdevelopment since the modern times can help us to summarize the historical experiences. Its great significance is to facilitate the progress of science and technology, enact advisable education policies and policies of science and technology, and accelerate the economy development.