Marilena Chaui’s trajectory: philosophy, politics, and education

Abstract

In this interview, philosopher Marilena de Souza Chaui reconstitutes her trajectory as a philosophy student and professor, in both secondary and higher education, analyzes her participation in the resistance to the civilian-military dictatorship within the university, and highlights the importance of her activities as a researcher at Centro de Estudos de Cultura Contemporânea (Cedec – Contemporary Culture Study Center) and as Sao Paulo city culture secretary during the government of Luiza Erundina. From this, she proposes a reflection on the transformations of the Brazilian university in recent decades, on the idea of cultural citizenship, and on some crucial points for teaching, especially for philosophy teaching. Contrary to the concept of teaching based on the transmission of knowledge, CHAUI defends an education which not only covers the thinking of philosophers, scientists and artists, but also examines new experiences. She argues that it is crucial that teachers assist students with making the transition from the experience lived to the experience understood.