论耶稣会士没有阻挠哥白尼学说在华传播——西方天文学早期在华传播之再评价

本文通过考察有关史料和天文学发展史,对明清之际耶稣会士在中国传播西方天文学的历史作用重新进行评价,认为:(一)第谷体系当时比哥白尼体系更精确,也比当时中国的传统天文学优越,故汤若望等人选择这一体系有科学上的理由;(二)耶稣会士没有阻挠中国人接受哥白尼学说,相反还对哥白尼学说作了介绍和好评;(三)第谷体系在客观上也不会阻挠中国人接受哥白尼学说;(四)天文学的基本方法,从喜帕恰斯直至今日,一脉相承,而耶稣会士通过修撰《崇祯历书》将这种方法介绍给了中国,这是他们最大的历史功绩,这一点以前一直被忽视了。

The Jesuits Did Not Obstruct the Copernican Theory's Publicity in China-A Re - review on the Early Stage Publicity of Western Astronomy in China

This article reviews the historical function of the Jesuits in their disseminating western astronomy in China during Ming and Qing Dynasties. The author holds that, firstly, Tycho Bra-he System at that time was more accurate than Copernicus System, and was superior to Chinese traditional astronomy, hence the System of Johann Adam Schall von Bell had the scientific reason in selecting Tycho s system. Secondly, the Jesuits did not brocade the acceptance of Copernicus theory by Chinese scholars. On the contrary, they introduced and gave favorable comments on it. Thirdly, Tycho Brahe System, objectively, would not brocade Chinese scholars to accept Copernicus theory. Fourthly, the basic methodology of astronomy is consistent, while the Jesuits introduces this methodology into China through compiling Chongzhen Calendar. This biggest historical contribution of theirs has been neglected before.