| Needham Puzzle is a well-known problem in comparative studies of the history of science, which has high academic value and practical significance. The puzzle has caused widespread concern and discussion in the domestic and foreign academic circles since1940s. At present, there are two kinds of basic views:one is asserting the rationality of the puzzle and make all kinds of answers; the other is doubting about rationality of the puzzle and puts forward all kinds of reasons.As Joseph Needham’s research on Chinese science and technology and cultural studies being lucubrated, the puzzle itself has been revised, and has gradually became standardizable. Therefore, in the basis of mastering lots of documents, Joseph Needham had clarified the different historical periods of different language problems according to the puzzle’s historical process. Then the normative statement of the puzzle has been given.There are two basic theoretical paths on the researches of Needham Puzzle, one is showing the solution of the puzzle, the other is calling in questions the puzzle. In order to maintain the puzzle’s rationality, several views for doubts would be discussed. The research method of making combination of internal and external factors has been strengthened, for searching solutions of the puzzle from the internal and external two angles.Joseph Needham who had finished the holistic thinking about the development of science and technology of China has given Needham Puzzle. Chinese scholars of history of science and technology have had extensive discussion on this puzzle. Chinese history of science and technology researches and the discipline constructions have been impacted virtually and significantly.According to the research status of Needham Puzzle, related literatures would be generalized and analyzed. In-depth analysis about the influences of Needham Puzzle for the research on Science and Civilisation in China would be given on the basis of the answers. |
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