Science, technology and re-enchantment of the world

Author(s)

Alan Delazeri Mocellim

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH/SBD)
• Defense date: 2014-08-29

Examining board members

Jose Carlos Bruni; Maria Helena Oliva Augusto; Laymert Garcia dos Santos; Carlos Eduardo Sell; Vera da Silva Telles

• Advisor: Jose Carlos Bruni

Abstract

Science has played a central role in what Max Weber called the disenchantment of the world. The world of science is a causal mechanism, a world of intelligible causes and effects which works according to rational laws. This is a world where magic and religions are banished to the horizon of the irrational, and where only what is calculable and usefull is rational. Science and technology cannot give meaning to a world conceived that way. However, nowdays, we face discourses that claim precisely the opposite, and the most exciting is the fact that they claim the science and technology as the key elements that enable to re-enchantment of the world. We aim with this project present a systematization of theories whose focus is the re-enchantment of the world through scientific and technological means but we will not limit ourselves to a systematic presentation. We have as a broader and central objective a critical analysis of such theories, evidencing not only their themes, approaches and arguments, but also its shortcomings and dilemmas regarding the diagnosis of the role of science and technology in the contemporary world (AU)