Introduction

Abstract

Does Latin America have a philosophy of its own? From the point of view of the often assumed universal character of philosophy, the question appears to be senseless. Not so to many, perhaps to most, Latin American philosophers. The question is raised, in a variety of ways, in several chronicles. The explanation easily comes to mind. It lies in the socio-economical and cultural history of the continent. For hundreds of years the Latin American countries were victims of European colonialism. The European powers, Portugal and Spain in particular, not only dominated their socio-economic life, their political system and to some extent also their cultural expressions. The Europeans also imposed upon them their languages and their religious beliefs. From the middle of the 16^th century, Christian philosophy dominated the scene.