摘要
本文讨论中国古代一种重要的科学观。早自上古,中国就出现了汉字"機",它原指轴动杠杆,后以名弩的触发器,再演为各种自动机械,进而发展为抽象概念。这概念的发展导致古人对信息和控制的了解,首先阐发了意识和语言作为機的作用,自然地关心事物的总体关联,反对机械决定论和宿命论,着意寻求发挥主观能动性,甚至鼓动急功近利情绪。历代学者以道士为主,对機的研究形成了这种中国特有的强调"人定胜天"的科学观,它是中国科学思想史上的一朵奇葩,姑名之为"機发论"。
An important outlook on science in ancient China is discussed in this paper. In remote ages, the word '機(Ji)' was coined in China, meaning lever with axle originally and crossbow triggers later on. Afterwards it evolved and meant various auto machines and was further developed into an abstract concept. The development of this concept led to the understanding of information and control on the part of ancient scholars. At first, these scholars elucidated that consciousness and language play a role of '機(Ji)', were interested in the total relation of things naturally and against mechanical determinism and fatalism, insisted on giving free rein to subjective initiative, and even advocated for quick success and instant gain. All through the ages, an outlook on science characteristic of China emphasized that 'man can conquer nature' was formed by the scholars, maining Taoists researching on '機 (Ji)'. This outlook on science, a wonderful flower in the history of Chinese scientific thinking, was called 'Triggerism' tentatively.
出处
《自然科学史研究》
CSCD
1990年第1期1-8,共8页
Studies in The History of Natural Sciences
