Current Problems and Debates in Latin American Philosophy

Latin American philosophical thought is a field of study with a long history, consolidated from the middle of the last century to the present. A series of theoretical proposals originating from various controversies are fundamental to its constitution and contemporary developments. In general terms, it could be said that these discussions revolve around the directions adopted regarding the significance assigned to Latin American philosophy: on the one hand, the conceptual delimitations about the possibility and meaning of this philosophical orientation; on the other hand, the projections regarding the particular reality it must address as critical thought. This study attempts to show the main orientations assumed by Latin American thought. Among the topics with a significant presence, the following issues stand out: first, the discussion about the legitimacy and unique characteristics of Latin American philosophy, which is related to the formation of a critical history of ideas; second, the orientation toward a social and political philosophy assumed with a liberating sense, which has a prominent influence on some contemporary developments and contains in its proposals a worldwide projection.