Philosophy in Latin America

Catalog description

238 The purpose of the course "Philosophy in Latin America" is to introduce students to the depth and diversity of philosophy in Latin America. The course examines how philosophy in Latin America develops in response to the larger socio-political context, re-thinking European ideas to make sense of the unique realities of Latin America. The course is designed historically, spending the first few weeks looking at the early reception of academic philosophy in Latin America in the 16th century, while the rest of the semester focuses on the major intellectual trends of the 19th and 20th centuries (Positivism, Marxism, Philosophies of cultural identity and liberation philosophy). Because the philosophical diversity in Latin America is so extensive, the course will largely focus on how philosophy is employed in the analysis of cultural institutions, racial identity, ideologies of subjugation, and dialogues of colonized resistance. In examining the different ways that philosophy is pursued in Latin America, students will also discuss the extent to which Latin American philosophy changes the nature of 'doing' philosophy. Prerequisite: any 100-level VUSM course or transfer student placement. SJE, PMI