preface

V. 9, Ed. Especial, Ago. 2023.

This special thematic issue of P2P & Inovação journal pays a fair tribute to Paul Singer, who was one of the greatest intellectuals in the country, as well as a public manager and a historical militant in favor of the solidary economy and democratic socialism, themes addressed in the articles that the make up. The professor of economics at the University of São Paulo was an excellent researcher of issues and aspects related to socioeconomic development, thought by him too - and primarily, already at the apex of his reflective trajectory - in terms contrary to capitalism, therefore, a solidary development, also contemplated in the writings that integrate this publication.

The dedication that Singer had, from a very young age, to the causes of male and female workers, whether through his union, party, scientific-university and governmental engagement - leading the São Paulo City Hall Planning Secretariat, managed by Luiza Erundina, and the National Secretariat for the Solidarity Economy, in the first two presidential terms of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff - is also present in the articles. Traits of this organic intellectual combined with those of a public administrator and educator are reflected, given his pedagogical praxis, especially in his relationship with the simplest people, trying to highlight what he learned from them as well. It is not by chance that the texts reflect on influences and certain similarities arising from other thinkers with brilliant careers in life and work: Antonio Gramsci, Rosa Luxemburgo, Raymond Williams and Antonio Candido. Through the Economy of Francis, called for by Mario Jorge Bergoglio, there is a certain connection between Paul Singer's ideas and those of Pope Francis, for whom he, while alive, expressed admiration.

Among the authors of the articles are university professors from different institutions and active in different areas - among them members of the Brazilian Association of Solidarity Economy Researchers - graduate students, educators and militants of the solidarity economy, in addition to members of the Paul Singer Institute, an entity that stands out for cultivating and disseminating the legacy of the revered USP professor. Anyway, this is a very interesting set of writings about the thinker and activist who is highly respected for his intellectual value and human greatness.

Rio de Janeiro, 15 de agosto de 2023.

André Ricardo de Souza Associação Brasileira de Pesquisadores de Economia Solidária Isabela Aparecida de Oliveira Lussi Associação Brasileira de Pesquisadores de Economia Solidária

Marcelo Gomes Justo Instituto Paul Singer Roberto Marinho Alves da Silva Instituto Paul Singer