SCIENCE AND DIVERSITY: INDIGENOUS ASTRONOMY AS A TOOL TO COMBAT RACISM IN EDUCATION

This paper analyzes astronomical knowledge from the perspective of epistemological diversity, aiming to reduce the distance between science and culture and combat epistemic racism, while valuing the various forms of knowledge. Therefore, this study is a theoretical essay of critical origin, which discusses and problematizes the current model of interculturality in science teaching. Relevant references in the areas of Indigenous Astronomy, Education and Science Teaching were used as a basis for this study. The investigations enabled the diagnosis of a worsening of the problems related to the invisibility of epistemic racism, the mechanisms used to silence diversity that does not follow the Eurocentric pattern and the disappearance of Indigenous Knowledge systems. In addition, this study considers Indigenous Astronomy from different ethnic groups as a tool for combating racism in science education, as well as presenting a set of actions in science and society.