This talk examines Needham’s evolving world-view during the anti-fascist 1930s and 1940s. With the idea of cosmic, biological, and social evolution as the background of his thinking, Needham envisions “the ideal society” of humanity free of class division, colonialism, and fascism, the differences of which are but quantitative.

From Christian teachings, Marxism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, he derives a world “religion” with the common spirit of altruism and love characterizing human society at a higher level of integration. Toward the realization of this social vision, Needham stresses the role of science and the responsibility of scientists as citizens. Hence his work in setting up UNESCO’s Natural Sciences Sector in 1945.

Refreshments will be provided.

All are welcome.

Presented by Jing Wang, associate professor of Chinese, Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures