[UFMS Digital] Ética, cidadania e sociedade - Módulo 1

Summary

This lecture by Professor Faria Diniz explores the strong connection between ethics, race relations, and the world of work in the literary works of Moacir Scliar. It highlights Scliar's humanist ethics, focusing on marginalized groups such as women, children, and ethnic minorities. Through his medical chronicles, Scliar critiques racism in medicine, reflecting on historical atrocities like those committed by Dr. Joseph Mengele during WWII. The lecture emphasizes the importance of ethics in literature and how Scliar used his writing to raise awareness of social issues, urging a deeper understanding of racial inequalities, especially in the medical field.

Takeaways

• 😀 Moacir Scliar was a prominent Brazilian writer and doctor who explored the intersection of ethics, race relations, and the medical field in his works.
• 😀 Scliar's literature is deeply rooted in humanist ethics, often focusing on the vulnerability of marginalized groups like children, women, indigenous people, and black communities.
• 😀 The script highlights the strong relationship between literature and ethics, referencing philosopher Jacques Derrida's view that literature can tackle any subject, including ethical questions.
• 😀 Scliar's work often confronted racism in medicine, particularly 'scientific racism', using his writing as a platform to criticize unethical practices.
• 😀 In his 2000 chronicle 'Medicina e Racismo', Scliar narrates a doctor’s silent protest against racist practices in his workplace by swapping thermometers assigned to black and white patients.
• 😀 Scliar's 'A Nostalgia de Hitler' addresses historical atrocities, particularly the brutal medical experiments of Dr. Josef Mengele on Jewish children during World War II.
• 😀 The chronicle 'Indesejável Efeito Colateral' further critiques the use of human guinea pigs in medical research, a subject close to Scliar's own medical background.
• 😀 In 'Doação', Scliar recounts the true story of Hamilton Nac, a talented gardener who was barred from studying medicine due to racial prejudice, despite his abilities.
• 😀 Scliar also critiqued the exclusion of women in the scientific community, emphasizing the contributions of overlooked female scientists like Florence Nightingale.
• 😀 The script emphasizes that Scliar’s works not only condemned racial injustice but also sought to inspire greater awareness about racism in medicine and other sectors of society.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the lecture in the script?

The main topic of the lecture is the relationship between ethics, ethnic-racial relations, and the world of work in the works of writer Moacir Scliar.

Who was Moacir Scliar and what was his professional background?

Moacir Scliar was a Brazilian writer and a doctor, known for his literary work, which included novels, short stories, essays, children's literature, and chronicles. He was also a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters starting in 2003.

What is the connection between literature and ethics, according to the script?

According to the script, literature has a strong connection to ethics, as it allows writers to explore, comment on, and reflect upon various ethical issues. The philosopher Gadamer is cited for stating that literature has the right to address any topic, including ethical matters.

How did Moacir Scliar use his writings to discuss issues related to health and racism?

Moacir Scliar used his medical background and literary works to address important health issues, such as the misuses of medical practices, and discussed themes of racism, particularly 'scientific racism,' through his chronicles.

What specific examples of racism in medicine does Scliar address in his works?

In his chronicle 'Medicine and Racism,' Scliar describes the practice of separating thermometers based on skin color in a medical setting, symbolizing the existence of racism in medical practices.

What is the theme of the chronicle 'The Nostalgia of Hitler'?

In 'The Nostalgia of Hitler,' Scliar revisits the historical figure of Dr. Josef Mengele, who conducted cruel experiments on Jewish children during World War II, highlighting the atrocities committed by the Nazis against the Jewish population.

What is the significance of the chronicle 'Unwanted Side Effect' in relation to racism?

In 'Unwanted Side Effect,' Scliar reflects on the use of human guinea pigs in medical experiments, particularly in the context of vulnerable populations, and emphasizes how racism often influenced such unethical medical practices.

What is the story behind the chronicle 'Donation'?

The chronicle 'Donation' tells the true story of Hamilton Nac, a South African gardener who was discriminated against because of his race despite his skills and potential to study medicine, highlighting racial barriers in education and professional advancement.

How does Scliar approach the topic of racism and medicine in 'Latino Lover'?

In 'Latino Lover,' Scliar discusses the controversial views of scientist James Watson, who linked skin color to sexual desire, contributing to harmful stereotypes and justifications for racial prejudice in medical and legal contexts.

What is the main message of Moacir Scliar's work on racism and health?

Moacir Scliar's work underscores the pervasive influence of racism in medicine and healthcare, illustrating how racial prejudices have harmed vulnerable populations and prevented people from reaching their full potential in their professional and personal lives.