Statement on the death of Dr. Enrique Dussel
El CLACSO Working Group on Just Transitions and Care for Our Common Home announces and regrets the sad passing in Mexico City of our Argentine-Mexican colleague and friend HENRY DUSSEL (1934-2023).
Enrique was a member of our group from its very first edition, initially called “Theology, Ethics, and Politics.” From those early days, he was a guiding light for us, helping to frame the debates within Latin American philosophy, theology, and social sciences. He also became an indispensable reference point in shaping the thematic lines that comprise this Working Group.
Enrique Dussel, born in La Paz, Mendoza Province, Argentina, is one of the most important thinkers in Latin American theology and philosophy, sharing his intellectual journey with another esteemed figure in our Working Group, Juan Carlos Scannone. Both, along with other notable authors, established the foundations of liberationist reflection and practice, contributing for decades to the development of this perspective. It is one of the most important currents of critical thought that has had an impact not only in Latin America but also beyond the borders of our continent. Philosophy, Theology, Ethics, Politics, and History have all been enriched by Dussel's thought and incisive questioning. Examples of this include his criticisms of Eurocentric views and hegemonies of various kinds. His acuity was further demonstrated in his ability to bridge seemingly disparate approaches, such as Marxist-inspired analysis and Judeo-Christian wisdom, finding there a source of authentic liberation for peoples.
To paraphrase Umberto Eco, to understand Latin America one must read authors like Dussel. From our Working Group, and united at this moment with so many fellow travelers, like the women in the Gospel at the tomb of Jesus, “we are here with the fragrance of gratitude and the balm of hope to show him, once again, that love that never fades; we want to do so with the same devotion, wisdom, gentleness, and dedication that he spread throughout the years.” With these words of Pope Francis, whose program of communal salvation based on the 4 Ts (land, housing, work, and technology) Dussel embraced with enthusiasm, we also say to him: “Enrique, faithful friend of the Bridegroom, may your joy be perfect in hearing His voice definitively and forever.”
Forever with us, dear Enrique
Your colleagues in the Working Group
November 7th 2023
CLACSO Working Group
Just transitions and care for our common home
This text expresses the position of the aforementioned Working Group and not necessarily that of the centers and institutions that make up the CLACSO international network, its Steering Committee or its Executive Secretariat.
