Latin American philosophy is best understood as a type of applied philosophy devoted to issues related to the culture and politics of Latin America. This introduction provides a comprehensive overview of its central topics. It explores not only the unique insights offered by Latin American thinkers into the traditional pre-established fields of Western philosophy, but also the many 'isms' developed as a direct result of Latin American thought. Many concern matters of practical ethics and social and political philosophy, such as Lascasianism, Arielism, Bolívarism, modest and immodest feminisms, republicanism, positivism, Marxism, and liberationism. But there are also meta-philosophical 'isms' such as originalism and perspectivism. Together with clear and accessible discussions of the major issues and arguments, the book offers helpful summaries, suggestions for further reading, and a glossary of terms. It will be valuable for all readers wanting to explore the richness and diversity of Latin American philosophy.

Susana Nuccetelli is Professor of Philosophy at St Cloud State University, Minnesota. She is the author of Latin American Thought (2002) and co-author of Latin American Philosophy: An Introduction with Readings (2004). She co-edited the Blackwell Companion to Latin American Philosophy (with Ofelia Schutte and Otávio Bueno, 2009) and is a contributor to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.