Civilization and Barbarism: notes on an American Dichotomy
The present essay analyzes the dichotomy between civilization and barbarism, one of the most significant issues in Latin American thought since the 19th century. We highlight its centrality in the formation of regional intellectual traditions. Drawing on fundamental source texts, the essay examines...
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| Formato: | Artículo revista |
| Lenguaje: | Español |
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Universidad Nacional de Rosario
2025
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| Acceso en línea: | https://cuadernosdelciesal.unr.edu.ar/index.php/inicio/article/view/160 |
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| Sumario: | The present essay analyzes the dichotomy between civilization and barbarism, one of the most significant issues in Latin American thought since the 19th century. We highlight its centrality in the formation of regional intellectual traditions. Drawing on fundamental source texts, the essay examines how this dichotomy has been addressed by various thinkers and philosophers, from Estermann and Cusicanqui to Dussel, including key figures such as Bartolomé de las Casas, Sarmiento, and Mariátegui. We argue that, although the issue gained prominence with the publication of Facundo, it can be traced back to the Conquest and even to certain Andean philosophies.
The main objective is to trace the historical and contemporary use of this category to demonstrate its philosophical breadth and its relevance in understanding power relations, identity, and resistance in Latin America. Methodologically, the essay adopts a comparative approach, exploring the similarities and divergences among the authors studied and situating their ideas within their respective historical and cultural contexts. The essay highlights some critiques of Eurocentric notions of civilization, particularly through the contributions of Cusicanqui and Dussel, who propose alternatives based on indigenous epistemologies and liberation philosophies. |
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