"In a post-Trump world, the fight for truth is also a fight against universality." Professor of Philosophy, Carlos Alberto Sanchez argues Mexican philosophy challenges Western universalism, offering a perspectival approach to truth rooted in lived experience, an antidote to the divisive narratives of our times.
I was privileged to speak with Professor Carlos Alberto Sanchez. His latest work, Blooming in the Ruins: How Mexican Philosophy Can Guide Us Towards a Good Life, offers a deeply provocative exploration of Mexico's rich and often overlooked philosophical tradition. Professor Sanchez, it’s a pleasure to have you with us.
To start, can you share a bit about the background of this book? What inspired you to write it, and what should people know before diving into its pages?
Well, before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand the significance of the book itself. Mexican philosophy hasn’t been a subject widely discussed or studied, particularly in English. Until recently, say, around 2012 to 2016, there wasn’t much promotion or translation of Mexican philosophical texts. This book reflects a larger movement to bring Mexican philosophy into broader conversations.
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At its heart, Mexican philosophy is circumstantial. It’s rooted in the lived history and experiences of the Mexican people, unlike the universal ambitions of Western philosophy.
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What exactly is Mexican philosophy? How would you define it for someone new to the concept?
Mexican philosophy is, at its core, an attempt by Mexican philosophers to have a conversation with philosophy, especially European philosophy, but in doing so, they recognize their difference. They’re bringing something to the table that hasn’t been said before.
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