Abstract

In the introduction and acknowledgments of this book Marcelo Dascal informs the reader as to the peculiar history behind the book and to the vision which inspired it. In particular, the dominance of Western Culture, evidenced by the presence of Coca-Cola, the dream of democratic freedom, and aspirations to the wonders of the market economy in all but the most remote parts of the world has created a tension between North America and Latin America in many, perhaps all, facets of life. This tension has developed because the values present in North America are at odds with the values present, at least historically, in Latin America. This tension can result in one set of values being declared dominant, or better than the others; or it can result in a sort of relativism where the two or more sets of values are held to be, perhaps with some qualifications, equally good. It is the latter position with respect to the tension between North and Latin America which is the focus of this book.