When we mention China’s ancient civilization,we think
of the Four Great Inventions--paper,gunpowder,the compass
and printing.which have had an immeasurable impact to 1.
the development of world culture,military affairs,and
communications and transportation.The science and technology
of ancient China no doubt occupy a very important and 2.
prominent position in the scientific and technological history
of the world.yet modern science and technology did not
originate in China.
Why is that modem science and technology did not 3.
originate in China? Chinese scholars specialize in the history 4.
of natural sciences offer an answer.In brief,there are four reasons。
First,industry and commerce were restricted in feudal China,
which closed their borders to the outside world and inhibited the 5.
development of areas of science and technology such as
mechanics,mathematics,navigational technology and machine
building.which were related with industry and commerce 6.
Second.in terms of philosophy,Confucianism(儒学)was the
respected school of thought,and it was unable to provide 7.
philosophical guidance for the further development of science and
technology after the end of the Ming Dynasty.Third,school
curricula was limited to the Confucian classics,which downplayed 8.
(不予重视)technology and crafts and touched on the sciences 9.
Fourth,Confucian scholars were contented and conservative,
believed their imperial court to be the supreme court granted by Heaven 10.
and themselves the only civilized and respectable people in the world.