Teaching continental drift: Epistemological and historical contributions [Ensenãnza de la deriva continental: Contribuciones epistemológicas e históricas]

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Vasconcelos, C (Author) FCUP; Almeida, A (Author) Other; Ambrico Barros, J (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Science Education

Vol. 14

Pages: 32-35

ISSN: 0124-5481

Publisher: Foundation Journal of Science Education

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge

Scopus - 2 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-D9S

Abstract (EN): In the history of science there have been numerous contradictions between epistemologists and historians, as well as debates among controversial scientific theories. However, in geology teaching, it is common to refer to geology as a science without history, as well as to exclude epistemological thought that could help students to understand the process of construction of scientific knowledge. In this article, the authors look into different ways of analysing science, according to Popper, Kuhn, Lakatos and Laudan, and present epistemological thoughts on the controversy on fixism/mobilism, thereby describing the long path undertaken in geosciences from continental drift to the plate tectonics. The article looks into the applicability of the thesis from different epistemologists, at key moments of the confrontation of ideas, that have led to developments and setbacks, achievements and failures within the scientific geological community. The authors present an educational material to teach continental drift obliging students to reflect upon epistemological and historical issues.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific