Uma visão sobre a ideologia liberal no Brasil

: o pensamento e a ação do embaixador Roberto Campos, 1917-2001

Abstract

According to Bobbio et al (cf. 1998, p.164), The Political Science, in its original expression, was developed by authors concerned with systematizing the understanding processes of life in society, as well as their moral values. The study of moral values led to the elaboration of concepts about the power relationship between individuals and groups. In this sense, Political Science is characterized by the reflection on facts, thoughts, and institutions, within a systematic and rational method. A constitution that escapes dogmatism and skepticism, consolidating an issue of epistemological direction. In this perspective, Political Science covers different areas that aim to specialize in the study of its object. Also, varying the archetypes of research in Political Science, opens a wide range of groups and subgroups. Among these, Political Theory stands out as an appreciation of the present, with prospective reflections in the light of the tradition of Political Thought itself. That said, when constituting a normative research on Political Theory focused on Brazil, emerges a thematic set that encompasses local scientific production, the actual political currents, their speeches, and doctrines. Thus, when launching the debate in the presented direction, this text brings an in-depth look at Libertarianism within the Brazilian Political Thought (BPT). An approach focusing on the thought and action of Ambassador Roberto Campos as one of the canons of libertarian ideology in Brazil. Raised in remote Pantanal and later educated in Catholic seminaries in Minas Gerais, he would occupy crucial positions in his diplomatic and political career. He witnessed Brazil's accelerated development in the 20th century; from the “Estado Novo” in his youth to the “New Republic” in his maturity. Externally, he was part of the Brazilian delegation in Bretton Woods, participated in the structuring of the post-war international order and observed the birth and death of the “Cold War”. According to Ambassador Paulo Roberto de Almeida (cf. 2017, p.19, 29 and 76), Roberto Campos was the one who thought about Brazil aiming at the opulence and Freedom of the Nation. Even though Libertarianism showed itself to be a fugitive being, the advances promoted by Roberto Campos marked important stages in the maturation of this political line in Brazilian society. It is, therefore, an observation that emerges from the directed study of the BPT and, consequently, characterizes a reflection of Political Theory at its best.

Date of Award	12 Nov 2024
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	João Pereira Coutinho (Supervisor)