Ailton Krenak:

A counter-hegemonic perspective on intellectual History

Abstract

The article explores Ailton Krenak's intellectual contributions to political and intellectual history, highlighting how his ideas challenge Western intellectual traditions and offer an alternative and plural worldview. Utilizing theoretical approaches such as Cultural Semiotics and Discourse Analysis, the study analyzes how Krenak, as an indigenous leader and thinker, constructs a discourse that subverts hegemonic narratives, promoting a logic of resistance grounded in ancestry and the concept of "good living." The article outlines the trajectory of political history, distinguishing between the "old" and "new" political history, and discusses the relevance of the history of mentalities and intellectual history in understanding Krenak's ideas. It concludes that Krenak's thought is essential for reconfiguring knowledge paradigms, promoting a more inclusive and sustainable global dialogue.