Galileu e Darwin

interpretações naturais, evidências e absurdos

Abstract

his paper aims to show that the success of new theoretical conceptions to the detriment of others which are deeply rooted in common sense depends, in opposition to what has been stated by the traditional epistemology, on the resort to ignorance, to ad hoc hypothesis, to propaganda- more rhetorical than logical - and to manipulation of the natural interpretation of facts by means of inftltrating conceptual disorder into it, clouding sensory evidences and drawing absurds from it. Based on the-analysis by Feyerabend in Against Method, this study encompasses i:he Darwinian case (in: The Origin of Species; Sketches of 1842/44) and attributes the success of Galilei and Darwin to those procedures which helped them to set up conceptions lacking in direct evidences and natural consensus, as seen from their conduct and work. ln conclusion, the epistemologist should harmoniz.e bis precepts with the actual discussion of scientific theories.