Comte’s Positivist Doctrine and Reform of Secondary Science Education in Nineteenth-Century Brazil

Authors

Karl M. Lorenz, Sacred Heart UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2015

Abstract

This paper discusses the influence of the Positivist Philosophy on the teaching of science in the National Gymnasium, formerly the College Pedro II, in Brazil. With the proclamation of the Republic in 1889 and the subsequent educational reform of Minister Benjamin Constant in 1890, the curriculum of the college, and in particular the teaching of the sciences, was profoundly affected by the positivist ideas of Comte. An analysis of the programs of scientific studies adopted in the Gymnasium from 1890 to 1900 demonstrates that these were organized in accordance with the hierarchy of abstraction of human knowledge proposed by Comtean paradigm. Also, course syllabi and textbooks espoused positivist principles.

Este trabalho discute a influência da Filosofia Positivista no ensino da ciência no Ginásio Nacional, anteriormente o Colégio Pedro II, no Brasil. Com a proclamação da República em 1889 e a subseqüente reforma educacional do ministro Benjamin Constant em 1890, o currículo do colégio, e em particular o ensino das ciências, foi profundamente afetado pelas idéias positivistas de Comte. Uma análise dos programas de estudos científicos adotados no Ginásio de 1890 a 1900 demonstra que estes foram organizados de acordo com a hierarquia de abstração do conhecimento humano proposta pelo paradigma Comteano. Além disso, os programas de curso e livros didáticos adotaram princípios positivistas.

Recommended Citation

Lorenz, K.M. Comte’s Positivist Doctrine and Reform of Secondary Science Education in Nineteenth-Century Brazil. 2015?