Question

what statement best describes technological discoveries made during the ming dynasty?
new technology was considered a threat to traditional chinese culture by the emperor.
new breakthroughs in math and science led this period to be called the golden age of science.
scholars failed to produce any lasting innovations in technology, math, or science.
advancements that were made were mainly improvements on existing technologies.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: There's no historical evidence that the Ming emperor saw new technology as a threat to traditional culture. Ming had technological developments like in shipbuilding (Zheng He's voyages) and printing.
• Option 2: The "Golden Age of science" in China was more associated with earlier periods like the Song Dynasty, not Ming. Ming's scientific and mathematical progress was not at a level to be called a golden age of science with new breakthroughs.
• Option 3: Ming scholars did make contributions, for example, in agriculture (new crop cultivation methods), medicine, and technology (like improved printing, porcelain production). So saying they failed to produce any lasting innovations is incorrect.
• Option 4: Most of the technological advancements in the Ming Dynasty were improvements on existing technologies. For example, shipbuilding technology was an improvement on previous designs, printing technology was refined, and agricultural techniques built on earlier knowledge.

Answer:

D. Advancements that were made were mainly improvements on existing technologies.