Science in the short stories by Machado de Assis

Abstract

This article presents the important role that Science took place in the literature of Machado de Assis, by virtue of the author has curiosity for the scientific studies of Spencer and Darwin; at the same time, he thinks about and contemplates on the directions that Science can take, depending on the use that can be attributed to it and in which circumstances. In many stories of Machado de Assis, this dilemma that the author brings can be noticed, as well as the polemics he raises in relation to the scientific principles. Being like this, those stories can bring vital importance to discuss, nowdays, in the classrooms, the Science, its paradigms and its consequences, mainly when we are amid important scientific discussions as clones and trunk cells, that should change the picture of the scientific experiences.Keywords: Science, Literature, Machado de Assis, teaching.