RETHINKING SCIENCE: POSITIVIST CRITIQUE AND THE ALTERNATIVES OF SANTOS AND LESSA

Abstract

This article discusses the critique of the positivist paradigm of science and analyzes the epistemological alternatives proposed by Boaventura de Sousa Santos and Renato Lessa. The research, theoretical and qualitative in nature, is based on a critical bibliographic review of Santos’ A Discourse on the Sciences and Lessa’s Agony, Gamble and Skepticism. Both authors challenge the positivist claims of neutrality, universality, and objectivity, highlighting its limitations in addressing social complexity and its exclusion of alternative forms of knowledge. Santos proposes an "ecology of knowledges" to value epistemic diversity and include marginalized knowledge systems. Lessa, in turn, suggests skepticism as an epistemological stance capable of breaking with scientific dogmatism. The reflections developed point to the need for a more pluralistic, reflexive science that is committed to contemporary ethical, social, and political challenges.