Uma pequena revolução científica

a FFCL/USSP

Abstract

The way is open to apply historical procedures in analyzing old cherished chronicles on Brazilian science. Toe present paper aims at being a contribution to this effect, by reflecting ón the self-consciousness of the Brazilian scientific community, in the two decades following WW II, with regard the establishment and role of the "Faculdade de Filosofia. Ciências e Letras" of the University of S. Paulo (FFCL/USP), since its inception in 1934. Use is made of (in a preliminary and metaphorical way) Th. Kunh's notions of "p????gms" (as a set of shared value) and "scientific revolutions," in conelation with the idea of the 17thcentucy "Scientific Revolution," as interpreted by many thinkers and scientists from the 18th century onwards. What is stressed here is the gradual incoming of our sciences (and our country) into the mature stage (with its emphasis in experimental practice at the laboratory) characteristic of developed countries, and the revolution ignited by the FFCL/USP, when it associated professional training with basic research. The shortcomings of this self-consciousness are also outlined in the present argument.