Da Importancia Da Historia Universal Philosophica Na Esphera Dos Conhecimentos Humanos

A philosophical dissertation written in the late 19th century. This intellectual work explores the significance of universal philosophical history within the realm of human knowledge. It delves into the evolution of human understanding, focusing on the relationship between natural phenomena, early human curiosity, and the development of societies. The opening of the text introduces the ideas of philosopher João Baptista Vico, who links the origins of human curiosity to natural events such as storms and the impact they had on primitive people's imaginations. Pimentel highlights Vico’s assertion that humanity is composed of its own creations, likening the development of human society to the maturation of individuals. The author argues that history is shaped by an interplay of instinct, social constructs, and the evolution of civilizations through collective actions over time, setting the stage for a discussion of how the understanding of history informs contemporary knowledge.