Arguably, philosophical issues in Latin America date from pre-cabralian and pre-Colombian times. As a matter of fact, there are many philosophies that have existed since that era. It is crucial to note that the centuries of colonial powers had a lasting impression in Latin America. Some of the philosophies that influenced the Latin American culture included positivists, imperialism, capitalism, and catholic. In Latin America, the natives believed in existence on supernatural being; hence, there philosophies were focused on developing knowledge on how to conciliate the spirits. In the 17th century, the philosophies that influenced Latin America was medieval ideas, which was reinforced by Portuguese and Spanish. This philosophy elaborated on the relationship and land ownership (Mendieta, 2003).
Moreover, capitalism was also another philosophy that was influential Latin America. In the 20th century, anti-positivist philosophies influenced the Latin America since it countered the positivist philosophies. Certainly, this philosophy influenced the cultures of Latin in various ways. The capitalism philosophies determined the issues of power and labor. There were people who provided capital, while others provided the labor (Mendieta, 2003). Hence, it divided people into classes. In addition, catholic philosophies influenced the way of worship, which was appeasing the spirits. In general perspective, this philosophical influences the culture of Latin America up to date.
The folk and elite Caudillos contributed on various issues in society in Latin America. Caudillos were highly charismatic individuals who utilized authoritative powers, and even got to power through illegal means. The Caudillos obscured the splitting up of the state and government. The folk and Caudillos contributed in supporting various social programs in the region (Spielvogel, 2011). It also promoted peace, understood and recognized the folk’s unique lifestyle and supported them. Perhaps, people view Caudillos has a supporter of national, traditional and regional values. Caudillos also promoted modernization in Latin America since they were the elite in society. In addition, they developed a sense of dictatorship among the leaders which led to suppressing of the lower class (Bakewell, 2004).
The encroachment of Europeans in the New World had numerous impacts that shaped America and the entire world. Perhaps, the culture of native Americans, which possessed unique characteristics were virtually destroyed by Europeans. In addition, many people in the new world lost their lives due to the European diseases. The ancient political and social structures of the New World were totally ripped up and fully replace by European culture, religious practices, and European institutions. Africa was not spared also it led to the slave trade, and development of territories (Bakewell, 2004). Generally, the entire order of the new World was totally ripped apart by European culture. It caused massive migration, and cultural change of the indigenous societies living in the New World.
References
Bakewell, P. (2004). A History of Latin America: C. 1450 to the Present. London: John Wiley &
Sons
Meade, T. (2011). A History of Modern Latin America: 1800 to the Present. New York: Wiley-
Blackwell
Mendieta, E. (2003). Latin American Philosophy: Currents, Issues, Debates. Indiana: Indiana
Spielvogel, J. (2011). Western Civilization. London: Wadsworth
