Emeritus professor in the Faculty of Letters - University of Coimbra Full researcher in the Center for the History of Society and Culture - FLUC Researcher of IEMYR - Instituto de Estudios Medievales y Renascentistas - University of Salamanca. Senior Fellow of the Academia Portuguesa de História
The University of Coimbra in Portugal shared the common calling of universities of preparing futu... more The University of Coimbra in Portugal shared the common calling of universities of preparing future ruling elites, but it fulfilled this mission in its own way. Considering the period 1537- 1820, this paper presents some indicators of its specific social and cultural roles, such as the evolution of the numbers of students, their geographical origins (including a significant contribution from Brazil), and the kind of knowledge they were seeking. A second cluster of considerations focuses on the relationship with political (and ecclesiastical) power, not only in terms of the representation of the University?s instrumental function, but also of its subsequent actual behavior - combining protection and control - such as in the granting of funding resources, the appointment of professors and academic authorities, and mechanisms conditioning access to future careers.
Século das Luzes. Portugal e Espanha, o Brasil e a Região do Rio daPrata, 2006
In the context of the enlightened reform of the university of Coimbra (1772), the Botanic Garden ... more In the context of the enlightened reform of the university of Coimbra (1772), the Botanic Garden was a symbol and a tool of observational teaching and utilitarian use if knowledge.
Ciência, Tecnologia e Medicina na construção de Portugal, 2021
The enlightened reform of the University of Coimbra (1772) was a profound institutional change bo... more The enlightened reform of the University of Coimbra (1772) was a profound institutional change both at scientific and pedagogical levels. Although preceeded by cultural debate and some attempts, the political action of the Marquis de Pombal was crucial for that change. The article provides an overview of the major features of what their makers called "new foundation".
The purpose of this essay, rather than an exhaustive presentation of the historiographical output... more The purpose of this essay, rather than an exhaustive presentation of the historiographical output on Portuguese universities, is to lead the reader to the threshold of a comprehensive knowledge of the achievements and problems in this field; and try to provide a working tool for future research. Encompassing a long time span, with several changes in the higher education system in Portugal, besides mentioning general works and source publication, it approaches some topics: material conditions (buildings and funding), students and student culture, professors (with a glimpse on scientific production).
Doctoral thesis. The first part deals with the students: numbers, courses attended, geographical ... more Doctoral thesis. The first part deals with the students: numbers, courses attended, geographical and social background, student life. The second part studies the human and material resources of the university: professors (role, careers, teaching, wages); income sources of the university: rents, management, financial balance.
After the portuguese seccession from the Hispanic Monarchy (01 december 1640) several demanding t... more After the portuguese seccession from the Hispanic Monarchy (01 december 1640) several demanding tasks were faced to consolidate independance: internal cohesion, international acceptance, warfare. This chapter tries to depict a portrait of a troublesome period.
The University of Coimbra in Portugal shared the common calling of universities of preparing futu... more The University of Coimbra in Portugal shared the common calling of universities of preparing future ruling elites, but it fulfilled this mission in its own way. Considering the period 1537- 1820, this paper presents some indicators of its specific social and cultural roles, such as the evolution of the numbers of students, their geographical origins (including a significant contribution from Brazil), and the kind of knowledge they were seeking. A second cluster of considerations focuses on the relationship with political (and ecclesiastical) power, not only in terms of the representation of the University?s instrumental function, but also of its subsequent actual behavior - combining protection and control - such as in the granting of funding resources, the appointment of professors and academic authorities, and mechanisms conditioning access to future careers.
Século das Luzes. Portugal e Espanha, o Brasil e a Região do Rio daPrata, 2006
In the context of the enlightened reform of the university of Coimbra (1772), the Botanic Garden ... more In the context of the enlightened reform of the university of Coimbra (1772), the Botanic Garden was a symbol and a tool of observational teaching and utilitarian use if knowledge.
Ciência, Tecnologia e Medicina na construção de Portugal, 2021
The enlightened reform of the University of Coimbra (1772) was a profound institutional change bo... more The enlightened reform of the University of Coimbra (1772) was a profound institutional change both at scientific and pedagogical levels. Although preceeded by cultural debate and some attempts, the political action of the Marquis de Pombal was crucial for that change. The article provides an overview of the major features of what their makers called "new foundation".
The purpose of this essay, rather than an exhaustive presentation of the historiographical output... more The purpose of this essay, rather than an exhaustive presentation of the historiographical output on Portuguese universities, is to lead the reader to the threshold of a comprehensive knowledge of the achievements and problems in this field; and try to provide a working tool for future research. Encompassing a long time span, with several changes in the higher education system in Portugal, besides mentioning general works and source publication, it approaches some topics: material conditions (buildings and funding), students and student culture, professors (with a glimpse on scientific production).
Doctoral thesis. The first part deals with the students: numbers, courses attended, geographical ... more Doctoral thesis. The first part deals with the students: numbers, courses attended, geographical and social background, student life. The second part studies the human and material resources of the university: professors (role, careers, teaching, wages); income sources of the university: rents, management, financial balance.
After the portuguese seccession from the Hispanic Monarchy (01 december 1640) several demanding t... more After the portuguese seccession from the Hispanic Monarchy (01 december 1640) several demanding tasks were faced to consolidate independance: internal cohesion, international acceptance, warfare. This chapter tries to depict a portrait of a troublesome period.
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Papers by Fernando Taveira da Fonseca