Philosophy, University, and Democracy after the Military Rule: Argentina, 1975-1990

Abstract

The transition to democracy in Argentina during the early 1980s brought about, among many other reforms, a new professionalisation of philosophical studies in the country. It was a moment of disciplinary development, especially after the Third National Conference of Philosophy, celebrated in 1980. During these years, questions about the role of intellectuals and philosophers in society were highly debated against the backdrop of the democratisation process. This article identifies the institutions, magazines, and research centres devoted to philosophy before, during, and after the transition to democracy in Argentina. Our hypothesis is that these platforms, at this particular moment, shaped the way in which philosophy is practised in the country today. First, we highlight the relevance of authors who participated in the project of a “Latin American philosophy” in order to trace one narrative critical of disciplinary professionalisation. Second, we analyse academic and cultural journals that played an active role in the introduction of foreign authors and philosophical debates. These groups, we argue, set forth fundamental and contesting narratives about the democratisation process in Argentina in relation to philosophy.