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The difference between European and Latin American philosophy, some argue, is that Europeans have only ever had to rule the world whereas Latin Americans have always had to change it. This difference remains relevant. Currently, Latin America and the Caribbean make up what is arguably one of the most dynamic regions in the world, challenging the consensus put forth by neo-liberalism and even liberalism. Nonetheless, the region's philosophical traditions are mostly unknown in the English-speaking world. This book argues that, not only are the ideas of José Martí and Che Guevara key to identifying false ideas about liberty and democracy, which concerned Simón Bolívar two centuries ago—they are also relevant to modern worries about alienation and meaninglessness. Martí said famously that 'trenches of ideas' are more powerful than weapons. Those pursuing global justice can benefit from exposure to vital debates about such fundamental philosophical questions, motivated by expectations for real human emancipation, by such thinkers of the South—thinkers motivated by a desire for political, economic and intellectual independence.
