What is Science: Reader Reviews & Ratings

Arlene2026-10-26 18:53

This book challenged my idea that science is always neutral truth everywhere.

Jenna2026-10-11 16:53

I was surprised to learn that the Chinese term for science wasn't native but adopted from Japan during a time of national crisis.

Fred2026-10-02 07:04

Wu Guosheng challenges the idea that science is universal and neutral. He shows how culture shapes its meaning across history.

Jay2026-10-01 07:53

This book blew my mind because I thought science was always neutral facts, but Wu shows how Chinese history made it a tool for survival instead.

Jeri2026-09-20 10:43

This book changed my view of science as a cultural tool rather than just universal truth.

Andrew82026-09-14 09:10

I found the part about Chinese science being a survival tool very eye-opening. It changed how I see the word science.

Kevin92026-09-11 22:56

I was surprised to learn that science isn't a universal truth but changes based on culture and history.

Christine2026-09-11 21:02

Wu explains how China saw science as survival, not truth, which changed my view on its history.

Crystal882026-09-07 10:16

Wu argues science isn't a neutral truth but a cultural practice shaped by history and values, which changes how we see it.

Rodrigo82026-08-30 17:00

Wu argues that Western science isn't a universal truth but a cultural practice shaped by history, which helps me understand why different societies define it so differently.

Marcus2026-08-26 22:23

I found the argument that science isn't a universal truth but a cultural practice really challenging my usual assumptions.

Orlando2026-08-25 04:59

The idea that science is not a single universal path but shaped by cultural values and historical crises is a powerful reminder.

June072026-08-22 10:38

I feel this book changes how I view science, showing it isn't a universal truth but shaped by culture and history in surprising ways.

Kevin012026-08-19 09:44

This book changed how I see science, showing it is not one universal truth but shaped by different cultures and history.

Eden2026-08-17 05:38

Wu Guosheng challenges the Western-centric definition of science by highlighting China's overlooked natural history tradition focused on observation and harmony.

Karson022026-08-12 16:29

This book really changed how I see science. It shows that science isn't just one universal truth, but shaped by different cultures and histories. The author explains how Western science focused on freedom while Chinese science was born from national survival needs. Understanding these cultural roots helps me stop treating science as a weapon in arguments. Instead, I now see it as a human practice with diverse values. This perspective makes sense of why we debate climate change so bitterly today. We need to recognize these different backgrounds to talk about truth without fighting.

Lamar2026-08-06 04:47

Wu explains how China used science for survival, not just truth.

Tania082026-08-04 16:34

Reading about how medieval universities and nominalist philosophy helped shift science from contemplative truth to controlling nature was fascinating. It explains why modern science focuses on experimentation and manipulation rather than just observing natural patterns like ancient traditions did.

Cathy2026-07-27 20:57

Wu Guosheng challenges the myth that science is a universal truth. His explanation of China's survival-driven view versus Greek freedom makes me rethink how we use the word science today in politics and daily life.

Pete2026-07-17 18:08

I find the idea that science is not universal but shaped by culture very surprising and thought-provoking.