Class Contemporary Thought

The course Introduction to Contemporary Thought fosters critical reflection on the ideas and practices shaping scientific and cultural knowledge today, focusing on the life sciences. Through dialogue between philosophy, art, and biology, it questions the boundaries between human and non-human, nature and culture, objectivity and narrative. Integrated into the Biochemistry degree, the course promotes an understanding of science as an ethical, cultural, and socially situated practice, developing critical and interdisciplinary thinking. Its relevance lies in preparing scientists aware of the epistemological and social impact of contemporary science.

Not applicable

The course is organised into five thematic modules: Science and contemporary thought – epistemological foundations and the notion of paradigm (Popper, Kuhn). Science as cultural narrative – language, metaphor, and scientific imagination. The human and the non-human – biology, technology, and ethics (Haraway, Latour, Dawkins). Objectivity and situated knowledge – responsibility and the production of knowledge in the life sciences. Science, art, and society – visual and media narratives of contemporary biology. The approach combines critical reading, debate, and analysis of texts and films, encouraging integration between sciences and the humanities.

The course employs active and collaborative methodologies that connect theoretical reflection with scientific practice. Classes combine text analysis, guided debates, and critical writing exercises with visual and audiovisual resources, including scientific films and documentaries. Learning is centred on reflection and group discussion, fostering autonomy and interdisciplinary thinking. Comparative readings, case studies, and participatory seminars integrating art, literature, and science promote an ethical and situated understanding of biological knowledge.

Dawkins, R. (2006). O gene egoísta (J. J. Veiga, Trad.). Lisboa: Gradiva. (Obra original publicada em 1976) Haraway, D. (2000). A reinvenção da natureza: Simians, cyborgs and women (T. Tadeu da Silva, Trad.). Belo Horizonte: Autêntica. (Obra original publicada em 1991) Haraway, D. (2021). Quando as espécies se encontram (S. Caló & A. C. Leonardo, Trads.). Lisboa: UBU Editora. (Obra original publicada em 2008) Kuhn, T. S. (2003). A estrutura das revoluções científicas (B. V. Boeira & N. Boeira, Trads.). Lisboa: Edições 70. (Obra original publicada em 1962) Latour, B. (1994). Jamais fomos modernos: Ensaio de antropologia simétrica (C. I. da Costa, Trad.). Lisboa: Relógio D’Água. (Obra original publicada em 1991) Popper, K. (2003). A lógica da pesquisa científica (L. Hegenberg & O. S. da Mota, Trads.). São Paulo: Cultrix. (Obra original publicada em 1934) Wiseman, F. (Real.). (1974). Primate [Filme documental]. Zipporah Films.