Biography

Boaventura de Sousa Santos is a leading social scientist known for his profound impact within the Portuguese-speaking world and beyond. His interdisciplinary approach, combining sociology of law, philosophy, anthropology, economics, and cultural studies, has produced pioneering insights, particularly regarding peripheral and semiperipheral societies. Santos's work challenges mainstream epistemological perspectives, proposing innovative methods to understand the unique characteristics of these societies. His influence extends globally, with his writings translated into multiple languages, establishing him as a key figure in contemporary social science.

 

Santos was born on November 15, 1940, and pursued a distinguished academic path, earning a PhD in Sociology of Law from Yale University. His doctoral research, conducted in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, introduced a broader view of law as a social regulator, laying the groundwork for his interdisciplinary endeavors. As a professor at the University of Coimbra, he significantly contributed to the establishment of social sciences as an academic discipline. He founded the Center for Social Studies at the same university, promoting innovative research and bridging academic communities globally. His involvement in the World Social Forum and the creation of the Popular University of Social Movements highlight his commitment to merging theoretical and practical aspects of social change.

 

A cornerstone of Santos's work is the "Epistemologies of the South," a framework questioning the dominant Eurocentric paradigms. This approach underscores the interconnection between capitalism, colonialism, and patriarchy, arguing that true social justice requires recognizing and valuing diverse forms of knowledge. The concept involves the sociology of absences and emergences, addressing both the invisibility imposed by dominant knowledge systems and the potential for new, transformative social practices. Santos's ideas advocate for an ecology of knowledges and intercultural translation, fostering alliances across various struggles against oppression and envisioning a more inclusive and just global society.