Research in the philosophy of technology is manifested in diverse theoretical
frameworks associated with different technical practices and related to different
social contexts. The philosophy of technology as a systematic academic discipline
emerged in China in the 1980s. Changshu Chen (陈昌曙) (1932–2011), a prominent philosopher and professor at Northeastern University in Shenyang, took the
lead in applying philosophical research to technical activities, and was dedicated to
exploring philosophical concerns reflected in modern Chinese technological
development. Following his model, many Chinese scholars have been introduced to
this field of research and have made constructive academic contributions. The rise
of Chinese philosophy of technology has a special historical background and significance. This is worth the consideration of the international academic world.
According to the work by Joseph Needham, ancient Chinese engineering
technology was highly developed from the 3rd to 13th century (Needham, 1954,
pp. 3–4). But it began to fall into decay at the end of the Ming Dynasty and the
beginning of the Qing Dynasty. Modern science and technology in China did not
emerge domestically, but came from the West. Thus, modern Chinese science and
technology has developed in a social environment where there is a constant
blending and clashing of Chinese and Western culture. Chinese philosophy of
technology issues differ from those of other countries and regions. Traditional
Chinese philosophical ideas and concepts are influenced by Confucianism, Daoism,
Legalism and the School of Guan Zi (管子), with “humanistic-pragmatism” value
orientation and an emphasis on “conforming to nature”.