ASTRONOMÍA HEGEMÓNICA, PARADIGMAS E IMAGINARIOS SOCIALES: UNA CRÍTICA EPISTEMOLÓGICA

Abstract

This study analyzes the relationship between scientific paradigms and social imaginaries in hegemonic astronomy, with the aim of examining how the production of knowledge is shaped by social, cultural, and political structures that condition its legitimation. It seeks to problematize the notion of scientific neutrality in the construction of astronomical knowledge and to highlight its epistemological and pedagogical implications. Methodologically, the paper adopts a theoretical-interpretive socio-epistemic approach based on a critical analysis of scientific and sociological literature on paradigms, social imaginaries, and historical studies of astronomy. The findings show that Western astronomy has been structured within a Eurocentric narrative that tends to marginalize other worldviews. Likewise, social imaginaries of the cosmos can operate as mechanisms of power that shape interpretations of reality. It is concluded that astronomy cannot be understood solely as a technical system of knowledge, but rather as a situated cultural practice. The study highlights the need for an epistemological opening in astronomy education through the incorporation of approaches such as archaeoastronomy, ethnoastronomy, socioastronomy, and cultural astronomy.