THE PUBLIC UNIVERSITY AS A SOCIAL INSTITUTION AND THE EPISTEMOLOGY OF COMPLEXITY

Abstract

Education is the practical process through which the subject immerses himself in the fabric of his historical existence, as it is a moment of intense insertion into the life of the social group in which we live and effectively lead our daily lives. Addressing the public university as a social institution and epistemology of complexity leads us to think about updating new knowledge, complex thinking, the possibility of better performance in teaching and learning processes and, consequently, improving the quality of education. The article aims to understand the role of the public university as a social institution, as well as to discuss the epistemology of complexity. It asks: what is the role of the public university as a social institution? In a critical line of investigation, and with a qualitative approach, the research uses bibliographic analysis, based on theorists who discuss complex thinking, starting with the studies of Edgar Morin. The subject is thought-provoking and, for this reason, the choice is justified, as well as the fact that it is relevant for future researchers who want to expand their knowledge on the subject in question. It should be noted that the university is a social institution and expresses, in a specific way, the structure and way of functioning of society as a whole. It therefore seeks to train teachers capable of thinking and acting in a complex way.