Open AccessDecolonizing the training of engineers and scientists: The case of the Faculty of Physical Sciences and Mathematics at Universidad de Chile
Author(s) -
Claudia Rodríguez-Seeger,
Doris Sáez-Hueichapan,
Alexandra Fuenzalida-Artigas,
Ignacio Ñancupil-Quirilao,
María Elena Lienqueo,
Carlos Contreras-Painemal,
Felipe A. Díaz-Alvarado
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
sotl in the south
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2523-1154
DOI - 10.36615/sotls.v5i1.181
Subject(s) - hegemony , anthropocentrism , indigenous , training (meteorology) , reductionism , engineering ethics , task (project management) , sociology , political science , environmental ethics , mathematics education , social science , epistemology , psychology , engineering , ecology , geography , biology , law , philosophy , systems engineering , politics , meteorology
Given current global crises, there is a need to move beyond the anthropocentric, reductionist and short-term vision of the world, imposed through the hegemony of Western culture. Are we still in time to change the prevailing hegemonic vision of the world and better address global crises and their local impacts? What is the role of intercultural higher education in this challenging task? We conceive this type of education for the training of future decision-makers, as well as scientists and technicians who must respond to current and future challenges in society. Therefore, we evaluate the contribution of the Indigenous Peoples Program (PPI) of the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (FCFM) at Universidad de Chile (UCH). We conclude that the PPI opens up possibilities for intercultural training in the FCFM, which can contribute to changing the professional and scientific performance of its graduates, opening their minds to other cultures, worldviews, values and paradigms.