2006/02/10 by Ricardo Duchesne · 2 citations
Economics, Econometrics and Finance · Social Sciences · #Historical Economic and Social Studies #Culture, Economy, and Development Studies #Chinese history and philosophy
paper · doi:10.1111/j.1540-5923.2006.00168.x
openalex publication_date 2006/02/10 · openalex created_date 2022/05/12 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
This paper defends the traditional argument that sometime in the medieval/early modern era Europe took a historical path that set it decisively apart from other civilizations. The claim is not that medieval/early modern Europe was already more advanced than Asia in terms of overall economic performance, technological capability, and living standards. It is that from the twelfth century onwards Europe showed itself to be a great learner, in a cumulative, self‐reinforcing process of assimilation, innovation, and invention. This modern trait gave Europe a unique developmental dynamic.