ENRIQUE DUSSEL, L’EUROPA E LA FILOSOFIA DELLA LIBERAZIONE

Federico Masciotti

This paper aims to explore the connections between Enrique Dussel and Europe, a place where, through various stays and encounters with prominent figures of twentieth-century philosophy, he developed a distinctive philosophical approach that would eventually form the foundation of his Philosophy of liberation. The essay also emphasizes the symbolic role of Europe in Dussel’s intellectual journey, tracing its presence from his early studies in his homeland. From the outset, Dussel recognized how Latin American philosophy developed as a reflection of European thought, always remaining in its shadow and relegated to the periphery. In Europe, he also came into contact with the vibrant cultural climate, especially the decolonial current, actively engaging with it and eventually becoming an important voice within it. Through references to his travels in Europe and in the Middle East, and interactions with philosophers such as – to name a few – Paul Ricoeur, Martin Buber, Xavier Zubiri, or Emmanuel Lévinas, this essay highlights the significant role these encounters played in shaping his philosophical path, reconstructing a biographical note highlighting the key milestones leading to the development of the Philosophy of liberation.