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The Influence of Positivism in the Nineteenth Century Astronomy in Argentina
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Metadata
Title
The Influence of Positivism in the Nineteenth Century Astronomy in Argentina
Abstract
In this paper we analyze the influence of positivism in Argentina astronomical culture in the nineteenth century. We did the analysis from two dimensions, scientific knowledge development and science teaching. Because Argentina was a very young country at that time, it was of singular importance, not only the development of scientific knowledge itself, but also the training of human resources for the transfer of such knowledge. In this regard, the influence of astronomy, in its role of modernizing discipline related to positivist ideal, was particularly noticeable in the training of teachers of primary schools. Domingo F. Sarmiento represents a turning point for the astronomy development in Argentina; his thought was strongly influenced by the Comtean positivism. Sarmiento believed that Copernican astronomy was one of the critical scientific disciplines to the formation of a “modern” citizen. Astronomy in Argentina was influenced by two epistemological streams: French and German positivism; however the first one was the most important. We shall show the relevant influence of the socio-historical context over the scientific development. We shall also see that science was a fundamental social actor in Argentina history.
Date
01/01/2013
Citation
Santilli, H., & Cornejo, J. N. (2013). The Influence of Positivism in the Nineteenth Century Astronomy in Argentina. Science & Education, 22(6), 1505–1518. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-012-9468-2
Type of Publication
Author(s)
Santilli, Haydée | Cornejo, Jorge Norberto
Content
Construct
Methodology
Research Setting
Target Group
Institution(s)
Universidad de Buenos Aires
Journal Name
The Science Teacher
Peer-Reviewed Status
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Volume
22
Issue Number
6
ISSN
0926-7220, 1573-1901
Resource Type
Nation(s) of Study
Argentina
Language
English