Abstract

GORBACH, Frida. History, Science and Nation: A case study in 19th century Mexico. Dynamis [online]. 2013, vol.33, n.1, pp.119-138. ISSN 2340-7948.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0211-95362013000100006.

In an attempt to reflect on the political dimension of knowledge, I approach the Mexican medical discourse of the late 19th century and raise questions about the relationship that was built between the latter and history, science and nation. These three intricately woven concepts outline, in many ways, the relationship formed by modernity between nature, politics and history. For this purpose, I take the case of Porfirio Parra, one of the few Mexican physicians who reflected on the methods, principles and rules of scientific knowledge, and I attempt to show, based on his vast work, the way in which his understanding of science conceives of nation and history as inevitable actors.

Keywords : science; positivism; history; nation; race; Mexico.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )