Scientism in crisis good news for latin american philosophy

Resumo

Ricardo D. Gomez challenges Richard Rorty’s assertion that the development of 20th-century Western philosophy—specifically the move away from analytic philosophy and scientism toward an acceptance of categorical frameworks—negates the possibility of a distinct Latin American philosophy linked to politics. Gomez argues that Rorty’s conclusion is a non-sequitur; instead, the crisis of scientism and the recognition that the world is constructively framed by historical and cultural categories actually provide the ground for an original Latin American philosophy. Gomez critiques Rorty for denying the reality of cultural imperialism and Latin American dependence. Drawing on the work of Enrique Dussel, Gomez maintains that a Philosophy of Liberation is fundamentally political and necessary, as it stems from the praxis of the oppressed and seeks to criticize and change a world of social and political oppression.