TEACHING AND SCIENCE IN IGNACIAN INSTITUTIONS IN THE SEVEN HUNDRED'S PORTUGUESE WORLD

ABSTRACT:

Several studies have been made on the Jesuit education' contribution for the late development of a scientific culture in the lusitanian world. According to some authors, this delay was only overcome with Pombal's Reforms on Education through which authors and literary works known all over Europe were widespread in Portugal, a country dominated by the scholastic philosophy. Pombal's Reforms contributed significantly for the introduction of Experimental Sciences and Natural History in Universities' curriculums, while simultaneously there was a gain of importance of mathematical sciences. However, the facts point out that in Évora's University, as well other Jesuit's Institutions, the teaching of physics and mathematics sciences were not neglected in education, not even before Oratorian influence. This study, developed based on original documents, aims to provide an understanding on how education and science were taught in these institutions, contributing for the historical debate of this subject.

Keywords:
Education and science; Ignatian institutions; Enlightenment; Oratorian; Lusitanian world.