Controversy Surrounding the Theory of Evolution in the Pages of the “A Província de São Paulo” Newspaper from 1875 to 1889

Abstract

This article’s objective is to discuss the results of research into public controversy over the theory of evolution from 1875 to 1889, as expressed in the newspaper “A Província de São Paulo”, currently known as “O Estado de São Paulo”. Empirical research methods were employed in the study of digital material of the aforementioned publication and analysis was conducted within the framework of science, technology and society (STS) studies and, specifically, the Empirical Programme of Relativism. Study results determined that representatives of different social organizations, such as members of the ascendant agrarian elite, intellectuals associated with positivism, Darwinists and religious leaders were among the opponents of the theory. The newspaper dedicated more space to arguments in favor of the theory of evolution and even published their own translations of European exponents of evolutionist theory in the paper. Those voicing arguments against the theory were characterized as mistaken. Throughout the debate, both epistemological and non-epistemological arguments were presented from opposing sides of the argument.