Technological Salvation and National Reju-venation Driven by the Patriotic Spirit of Scientists in the Republic of China Era

Abstract

This paper explores the historical genesis, multidimensional practical manifestations, and contemporary implications of the patriotic spirit among scientists during the Republic of China era. It begins by analyzing the era's motivating factors behind the formation of this patriotic spirit among scientists, including the dual drives of national salvation and scientific enlightenment, as well as the overseas study trend and the formation of the concept of "serving the country through science." Subsequently, the paper elucidates the cultural foundation of the patriotic spirit among scientists during the Republic of China era, which is the fusion of traditional scholar-official spirit and modern scientific ethics, specifically manifested in the transformation of Confucian ideals and the combination of Western positivism with China's pragmatic tradition. Based on this foundation, the paper provides a detailed depiction of the multidimensional practical manifestations of the patriotic spirit among scientists during the Republic of China era through two dimensions: academic service to the country and wartime scientific research. Examples include Zu Kezhen's orientation towards national needs in meteorological research, Hou Debang's "Hou's Process for Producing Alkali" which broke foreign technological monopolies, Li Chenggan's promotion of weapon localization, and Wu Liande's scientific epidemic prevention practices during the epidemic war. Finally, the paper summarizes the uniqueness of the patriotic spirit among scientists during the Republic of China era and proposes implications for contemporary scientific and technological innovation, including the inheritance path of the spirit of scientists in the new era and the historical reference for the strategy of scientific and technological self-reliance.