Leopoldo Zea and his philosophical discourse against marginality (1948-1953)

Abstract

Between 1949 and 1953, Leopoldo Zea published four writings in which he explained how the Mexican Revolution brought about the possibility for Mexicans to escape from situations of marginality and servitude to which they had been condemned due to the cultural impositions of Western imperialism. The writings have the distinction of dealing with the Mexican Revolution and the philosophical thought in Mexico, while linking them to a more general context: the European crisis and the critical review of the philosophical tradition during the first half of the 20th century. By means of a methodology of interpretation of the texts, this text addresses how Zea explains those situations of marginality, why the Revolution was the opportunity of breaking with them, as well as the inherent philosophical value in those writings. The conclusion emphasizes the philosophy concept that the author offers in light of the marginalization problems of the 20th century.