The debate between scienticists and metaphysicians in early twentieth century: Its theme and significance

摘要

Since the mid-19 th century, as China started to modernize itself, Westernrnscience has also been gradually introduced to China. Scientific understandingrnis often linked with the worldview, way of thinking, and values of enlightenmentrnthinkers in modem China. In this process, science itself has alsornexperienced an elevation from the technique to Dao (see Yang: ch. 3). At thernbeginning of the 20 th century, when the traditional examination system wasrnabolished and the new school system was introduced, science became anrnimportant part in the system of education, and it gained wide social recognition.rnAround the May 4 th Movement, in the debate among various importedrn"'isms," the widespread scientific spirit itself became a "ism": scienticism,rnwhich gradually permeated all areas of thought and culture.