Os saberes Clandestinos: navegando nas ciências do Sul Global

Os saberes Clandestinos: navegando nas ciências do Sul Global

Clandestine Knowledges: navigating the sciences of the Global South

🎙 Scientiarum Historia 👥 510 📅 October 7, 2026 ⏱ 156 min 👁 1 📄 debate 🧭 2026-10-07
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

decolonialscience communicationtraditional ecological knowledgenegacionismoepistemology

Summary

This panel, recorded at the Scientiarum Historia 19 conference, brings together four scholars—Giovana Xavier, Natália Amarinho, Carolina de Assis, and mediator Priscilla Ribeiro—to discuss epistemologies developed outside mainstream Western science. Natália Amarinho opens with a critique of the ‘Promethean’ model of science communication, highlighting its paternalistic and salvation-oriented roots. She proposes distinctions between scientific denialism and traditional knowledges, offering criteria such as interest, verifiability, and historical depth. The conversation explores the need for ’epistemological patchwork’—placing different knowledge systems side by side without forcing translation—drawing on thinkers like Anna Tsing and Nego Bispo. The participants share educational projects, including audiovisual work with indigenous constellations and the ‘Dance of the Sun’ calendar. The discussion stresses the importance of recognizing plural navigational instruments in science and society, and the role of universities in incorporating master knowledges into curricula. The event closes with acknowledgments to staff and community, reinforcing the collective and inclusive spirit of the gathering.

153 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The value of the information lies in its rich theoretical synthesis of decolonial thought applied to science communication and education. The speakers provide concrete conceptual tools—such as the criteria to distinguish denialism from traditional knowledge—that are immediately useful for practitioners. The argumentation is solid: Natália anchors her critique in historical references (e.g., 1930s science writing) and contemporary publications (the article by Rosa, Alves Brito, and Karine). She carefully avoids relativistic traps by insisting on the falseability and community validation of traditional knowledges. The panel exemplifies a collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach, integrating astronomy, physics, history, and education. The use of metaphors like ‘multiple compasses’ and ‘barquinhos de papel’ enriches the discourse, making complex ideas accessible without oversimplifying.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The speakers cite specific scholarly works and authors, such as Carl Sagan’s ‘The Demon-Haunted World,’ the article ‘Pós-verdade para quem?’ by Katemari Rosa et al., and the work of Anna Tsing and Nego Bispo. These references are pertinent and give the discussion an academic grounding. However, the citations are made in passing without formal references, and no external links are provided in the video description. The title accurately encapsulates the theme, and the content delivers on the promise of exploring clandestine knowledges in the Global South. The structure is that of a round-table conversation, which is coherent for a conference panel. No comments were available to analyze public reception.

239 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the central theme: examining marginalized knowledges and counter-hegemonic scientific practices in the Global South. The content aligns closely with this framing.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

The panel brings together recognized academics and practitioners (historian, physicists, astronomer) with strong institutional affiliations. They discuss decolonial epistemologies and science communication with nuanced arguments, referencing scholarly works and projects. The tone is reflective and rigorous, though the format is a discussion rather than a peer-reviewed presentation.

Key Moments

Cited Sources

  • O mundo assombrado pelos demônios (The Demon-Haunted World) — Mentioned by Natália Amarinho as an example of the 'Sagan-esque' aesthetics in science communication, where science is presented as a light against ignorance.
  • Pós-verdade para quem? (Post-truth for whom?) — Article by Katemari Rosa, Alan Alves Brito, and Bárbara Karine, referenced to argue that hegemonic scientific argumentation is itself a post-truth state for Black people.
  • Anna Tsing's concept of 'justaposição' (juxtaposition) — Used by Natália to describe placing different knowledges side by side without forced translation.
  • Nego Bispo's 'confluência' — Referenced as a similar concept to Tsing's, emphasizing coexistence of knowledges.

Concurring Sources

Contribution & Novelties

The panel’s original contribution lies in its explicit operational criteria to differentiate scientific denialism from legitimate traditional knowledges, addressing a common confusion in public debates. It also offers a practical model for ’epistemological patchwork’ in education, championing the inclusion of indigenous and Afro-diasporic knowledge systems alongside Western science. The speakers demonstrate how institutional policies (like UFMG’s) can be implemented concretely, and they share open educational resources such as the Tukano constellation map.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • Decoloniality — Overview of the decolonial turn and its relevance to science studies.
  • Traditional ecological knowledge — Widely discussed concept that aligns with the ‘saberes tradicionais’ mentioned in the video.
  • Science communication — Contextualizes the critiques of the Promethean model and the call for broader public engagement.

124 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high values for information quantity and quality, reflecting the dense and conceptually rich panel. Technical level is moderate, and reliability is strong due to the academic credibility of the speakers. The balance suggests a video that is substantive and trustworthy, though perhaps best suited for an audience already familiar with decolonial discourse.

Reliability 8/10