Latinos in America: Philosophy and Social Identity / Edition 1

by Jorge J. E. Gracia

Overview

A first-of-its-kind book that seriously and profoundly examines what it means philosophically to be Latino and where Latinos fit in American society.

• Offers a fresh perspective and clearer understanding of Latin American thought and culture, rejecting answers based on stereotypes and fear
• Takes an interdisciplinary approach to the philosophical, social, and political elements of Hispanic/Latino identity, touching upon anthropology, history, cultural studies and sociology, as well as philosophy
• Written by Jorge J. E. Gracia, one of the most influential thinkers of Hispanic/Latino descent

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781405176583
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	05/19/2008
Pages:	268
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Jorge J. E. Gracia holds the Samuel P. Capen Chair in Philosophy and is SUNY Distinguished Professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Among his recent publications are: Surviving Race, Ethnicity, and Nationality: A Challenge for the Twenty-First Century (ed., 2005), The Classics of Western Philosophy (ed., Blackwell 2003), A Companion to Philosophy in the Middle Ages (Blackwell 2003), and Hispanic/Latino Identity: A Philosophical Perspective (Blackwell 2000).

Table of Contents

Preface: The Latino Challenge.

I. Latino/a Identities.

1. Identities: General and Particular.

2. Individuation: Circularity and Demarcation.

3. Labels: Politics and Names.

II. Latinos/as in Society.

4. Marketplace: Survival and Flourishing.

5. Affirmative Action: Meaning and Justification.

6. Linguistic Rights: Language and Children.

III. Latino/a Philosophy.

7. Philosophy: Latino vs American.

8. Canon: Place and Future.

9. History: Role and Approach.

Conclusion: Latinos in America.

Bibliography.

Index

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Gracia's book offers engaging and provocative discussions of ethnicity, race, immigration, multiculturalism, justice, democracy and world philosophies. Gracia's rich and multilayered discussions of these timely topics are masterfully crafted in a manner that makes original contributions to ongoing debates while raising new questions and shaping the agenda across different academic disciplines."
–José Medina, Vanderbilt University

"If originality in philosophy is measured by the novelty of the ideas employed to deal with ancient problems, Jorge Gracia's book Latinos in America is at once original and a novelty. Spinoza believed that every thing wants to persevere in its present form: a tree wants to be a tree, and a dog a dog. Latinos in America want to be Latinos in America—no easy task, and therefore an intriguing one to explore. Building his argument with acumen and conviction, Gracia is up to that task."
–Ilan Stavans, author of The Hispanic Condition and Spanglish: The Making of a New American Language

"This is an essential book for anyone interested in Latin American philosophy, including questions of race, Latino identity, ethnic group terms, linguistic rights, affirmative action, and the role of history."
–Susana Nuccetelli, St. Cloud State University

Editorial Reviews

Philosophy professor Gracia offers a welcome contribution to the discussion regarding identity formation and, specifically, the role this plays in the lives of Latinos. His comprehensive account grapples with the potential misunderstandings associated with Latino identity … .Gracia makes an original contribution at every step of the way, challenging readers to drop the usual either/or-type thinking that governs identity politics. There is little doubt that this book provides the penetrative analysis necessary to confront these concerns. Useful for undergraduate students, graduate students, researchers, and faculty concerned with identity formation and Latin American philosophy generally. Highly recommended.” (Choice Reviews, December 2008)

From the Publisher