Abstract
This article presents fragments of history about the intersections between Health and Education in Brazil and its connections to discussions concerning democracy ideals. The background argument is how an ethical posture in public policy consistent with the one proposed by Paulo Freire allows for population participation in a way that strengthens the commitment to democracy in public policy. Such ethical posture 1) considers social determinants of the phenomena that happens to an individual, and 2) requires constant effort to not fall for the tempting silencing of one's existence and full citizenship.