Rumo à abstração: reflexões sobre a crise universitária

Abstract

Universities reached their apogee in the 19th century, currently experiencing a paradoxical crisis regarding their suitability and aptitude for contemporary demands. Using Vilém Flusser's concept of “technical image”, this article is related to the theme “the construction of information” by analyzing the role of images – traditional and technical – in the informational evolution of society and, consequently, of the university. The objective of this article is to draw a parallel between social and university evolution, seeking to elaborate hypotheses about the current crisis, which allow to base investigations and future actions. Through the dialectical method, bibliographical research and critical analysis were carried out regarding the different phases of university evolution and the concepts explored by Flusser, verifying their mutual interference. This analysis reveals that the telematics society is based on the rupture of fundamental university precepts, jeopardizing the aptitude of these institutions. In order to adapt to the new context, universities will need to review everything from administrative and physical structures to scientific logic itself. In this process, university tradition and conservatism are its greatest asset and vice: the university needs to behave like an “amoeba” in a hostile environment and not like a “dinosaur”.