Desafios Contemporâneos: A Igreja e a Filosofia de Michael Foucault em tempos de mudanças

Abstract

This dissertation aims to examine both the institution and the refusal of the chair “Michel Foucault and the Philosophy of the Present”, seeking its consequences for the academic universe and power relations that permeate Brazilian higher education institutions. The research initially seeks to find the reasons that led to the institution of the chair, with the aim of encouraging the study of Foucault and stimulating reflection on the practices of power in contemporary institutions. Next, it analyzes the refusal of the chair, considering the ideological and political reasons that surrounded it, as well as the consequences of this refusal for academic freedom and the pluralism of ideas in Catholic universities. Additionally, it presents a reflection on how Foucault's philosophy, which problematizes the essence of power and subjectivity, could align itself with the ideals of renewal and dialogue promoted by Vatican II and how this connection could have been an opportunity for the Church and its universities to approach contemporary criticism. Finally, the study seeks to consider the internal tensions of the Catholic Church in Brazil and their impact on academic decisions, highlighting the independence of Catholic universities in the face of external pressures, whether religious, political or cultural in nature. Regarding the methodology, a detailed documentary analysis of the decision-making processes of PUC-SP was carried out, in addition to a review of the literature on the effect of Vatican II on the Catholic Church and current Catholic universities. The conclusion was that the relationship between the Church, the State and modern man reflects not only a transition of power, but, above all, a change in the understanding of humanity itself. Man, as a subject of decision and action, transcends the limitations imposed by institutions and positions himself as a being who questions, responds and transforms. Throughout this research, it has been demonstrated how Michel Foucault's work provides a new and relevant perspective on the history of the Church, by highlighting the interdependence between ecclesiastical practices, theological thought and the historical transformations that marked the West. Furthermore, although it cannot be said that Foucault explicitly intended to carry out a “revolution” in the field of Church history, his critical analysis of power structures and power relations in the religious context brought substantial contributions to the understanding of institutional dynamics and religious governance practices.