Philosophy Talk

Aren’t philosophical questions timeless and universal? How can we even make sense of a regional philosophy, like the show’s title suggests? John and Ken begin puzzling through these questions. Although a universalist view hinges on the timeless universality of philosophy, a pragmatist perspective treats philosophical discourse as arising out of the lived experiences of culturally and historically situated people. Ken asks how Latin American philosophy is conducted in actuality. Is it similar to American and European philosophy, or is there something distinctly regional about it? John answers that both are present; universalist strands are found in metaphysics and epistemology, but social and political philosophy is especially tied to Latin-America’s distinct history and struggle with colonial tyranny. 

This show’s guest, Joseph Orosco, joins the conversation. He begins by answering a question from John about the importance of pre-Columbian philosophy. Although much of their work was destroyed by conquistadors, ancient Aztec philosopher-kings wrote “flower poems” about their teachings. Joseph confirms that this influence still reverberates in indigenous populations today, where there is an emphasis on ideas about the precariousness of life and how to live with one another and the Earth. 

After the break, John, Ken, and Joseph delve into more depth about the ways in which Latin American philosophy is distinct from its European cousin. Enrique Dussel, Joseph Martin, Joseph Enrique Rodo, and Jose Vasconcelos are all mentioned as key thinkers. Joseph explains how the relationship between Latin America and the United States has been one of subordination, and Latin American thinkers have been influenced by Western imperialism to think about nonmaterialistic alternatives towards democracy. There is also a suspicion towards severe individualism evident in Latin American philosophers’ stress on community and nature. By pointing out the difference between calling a single historical event either the Falkland War or the Malvinas War, our hosts and guests elucidate an easily observable differences in regional perspectives. 

The show concludes with an audience member’s, and Joseph’s, comments on Garcia Marquez’s magical realism as part of the Latin American experience. The past, Joseph notes, is sometimes not really the past, but part of what is right in front of us. What we see is not the whole story of existence. 

• Roving Philosophical Reporter (Seek to 5:49) : In an interview with Caitlin Esch, Javier Lada discusses his life as an immigrant farmhand turned college graduate. Lada now applies his education by serving as a community organizer fighting against unfair exploitation of workers.
• 60-Second Philosopher (Seek to 49:12) : Ian Shoales starts by commenting on the trope in Latin American literature of pretending a book exists and then writing a book review about it. He then speedily speaks about how our society can use such pretending to our advantage.