Science history and philosophy in scientific education: what for?

ABSTRACT:

This paper describes a literature review in master’s dissertations and doctoral thesis in the last decade that comment about the didactic approach to history and philosophy of science in science education. The analysis sought at first to identify the philosophy and pedagogical references declared by the authors. Following, the investigation sought the objectives expressed by the authors for the didactic use of history and philosophy of science, and also how they articulate the benchmarks adopted with the approach in basic education of history and philosophy of science. The results show that often a theoretical, philosophical and methodological approach are missing. And when there is such a basis, there is regularly absence of coordination and coherence between them. As possible conclusions, the results can and should cause a reflection in relation to the development and credibility of the research area of science education.

Keywords:
Literature review; History of science; Scientific education.