Practical Humanism and the Power of the Institutions in the Gestation of the Latin American Political Thought

Essential characteristic of Latin American political thought since its beginnings has been a "practical humanism". The most advanced native civilizations of America developed multiple institutions and forms of political thought. The conquest and colonization led to discussions practical humanism on the human condition of indigenous and African slaves. The issue of war and peace emerged from the conquest process to discuss the question of could or not be considered a just war. Latin American political thought strengthened by the enlightenment with its practical humanism helped ferment the emancipatory ideas of the struggles for independence.