Science, ideology, literature and eugenics: approaches between the biological ideas of Renato Kehl and the scientific discourse of the book “O Presidente Negro”, of Monteiro Lobato

Abstract

The present research is part of the work focused on the History of Science and the Teaching of Science and Biology and aims to explain some biological ideas present in the first half of the twentieth century, that were associated with the eugenic movement, as well as to reflect on how these ideas resonated in the fictional literature field of that historical moment. In order to do so, through documentary historiographical analysis, we investigated two important authors of the time, Renato Ferraz Kehl (1889-1974) and Monteiro Lobato (1882-1948). We seek to draw some approaches between the biological discourses present in the academic scope with other social instances, in particular, with the literature, thus evidencing relationships that are established between science and society. Approaches and/or detachments were pointed out in the authors discourses in relation to the following themes: Racial issue; Biological Determinism and Science Vision; Conflicts between environment versus heredity; Vision about the woman. Finally, it was discussed how the eugenic movement analysis and these authors works can contribute to the understanding of the articulation between science and literary thought of an epoch. In educational field, we conclude that the study of this theme can help to understand that science is immersed in political, social, economic, cultural values and that scientific discourses influence other social instances. We also emphasized that it is important to see science with a critical look, in order to combat discourses that can lead to discrimination and social exclusion. In addition, we contribute to the reflection about a literary work, contextualizing it in relation to the period in which it was written.

Keywords

• história da ciência
• eugenia
• literatura
• ensino de biologia