Luiz Gama: A educação como princípio da dignidade humana e isonomia no Brasil Imperial

The political and economic philosophy of liberalism was officially adopted in Brazil on September 7, 1822. After disputes between many political interests, the 1824 Constitution made explicit the characteristics and rights of Brazilian citizens. At this juncture, the contradictions between the civil and political rights inherent to citizenship and its close connection with the race categorization are emphasized. The right to educational instruction in Imperial Brazil, its contradictions and intimate delineation with government policy will be highlighted. This analysis will be carried out based on critical texts published in newspapers by a liberal abolitionist who fought for the freedom of the enslaved: Luiz Gama.