Portuguese Discoveries (Volume 2)

Author: (Portuguese) Jaime Cortes?o
Translator: Wang Huafeng et al.
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-17
Features:
Excerpt: The representative figure of that school, Dr. Duarte Lейте, was an outstanding researcher with many followers. He was a mathematics professor, knowledgeable, though not good at analysis, yet possessed the talent of an orator due to his high language proficiency. However, he applied some precise scientific methods that were unsuitable for historical research and lost the fairness of a historian on multiple occasions due to his rough and jealous debating style. His attitude was not conducive to exploring the truth. As the founder of the negationist school, he was praised by many who had debated with him, because he adopted a retrogressive patriotic spirit toward past glories without criticism. However, he lacked the human reasonableness and social emotions that existed in history, and thus could also be said to lack an understanding of coexistence and interaction among different classes and peoples. If he did indeed objectively observe certain facts or the roles of individuals, he was not good at placing these factors within the context of social and life currents. Despite these reservations, it must be admitted, fairly speaking, that his work, though not comprehensive and sometimes contradictory, remains a commendable and vibrant piece; some of his research findings were eventually included in the history of discovery, which is why this book cites some arguments from his works.
From our perspective, while not neglecting the study of the meager literature left by that era, we will continue to emphasize the research on collective modes of thought and the formation of the common consciousness of the Christian world in the origins of various ideas. This is a second focus on humanity and its place on this planet, and also a second attempt to break free from the authority of predecessors, whether scientific or religious. Of course, we also believe that the authority of predecessors is a source, as it explains and confirms many historical facts.
Now, we will discuss the social development trends of Portugal in the Christian world before the beginning of national expansion; the rapid rise of the Portuguese Kingdom during that period under various internal and external factors; the unique spirit that inspired the nation and its leaders; and finally, the ultimate mutual adaptation of geography, navigation, and political culture. In this regard, we should strive to find the profound, rather than superficial, reasons for the events to be discussed.