The article is a reflection on the policies of the Marquis of Pombal and Dom Rodrigo de Sousa Coutinho, comparing their aims in the economic field and putting in perspective the general question of enlightened reformism in the Iberian world. Aiming at a discussion of the different paths in the history of ideas in the 18th century, the article explores the framework of influences on economic and political discourse with regard to the conception and implementation of reforms, stressing the concern with the role of colonies (essentially Brazil) in the Portuguese economy during the second half of the 18th century.
Enlightened reformism; Colonial policy; Luso-Brazilian Empire