Agroecolgy, science and human emancipation

Abstract

In the article is discussed a scientific approach that can contribute to the overcoming of the contradictions caused by positivism and post-modernism conceptions regarding the emancipatory character of Agroecology. From a review of the specialized literature it is concluded that the concept of complexity, considering his ontologics, epistemologics and on the concept of sustainable development consequences, can fulfill an important role for the overcoming of such contradictions. It’s concluded that there is an huge conceptual, theoretical and methodological work to be carried out so that the scientific activities developedin the context of Agroecology can become more coherent with the emancipatory character of this field. In this sense, the article shows that the difficulties to reach such coherence must not be underestimated, since it implicates in the overcoming of conceptions deeply rooted in research and extension professionals about the role of science in the construction of the agroecological knowledge.