The philosophy of liberation and social work: a short essay in memory of Enrico Dussel (1934–2023)

This brief article draws attention to the contributions of the Argentinian-Mexican philosopher and scholar Enrico Dussel who died in November 2023. Only a portion of Dussel's writings are available in English and his vast intellectual output, frequently laden with puzzling diagrams and figures, makes for a heady mix. In what follows, the aim is simply to identify some of his main ideas, especially as we might relate these to social work. The article explores, therefore: Dussel's conceptual vocabulary; his emphasis on the need to take care of the planet and its natural resources; his politics and ideas relating to the 'will-to-live'; his ideas on change; and his three core ethical principles.