Research

FOCUS

My main field of research is decolonial thought, especially as advanced by Latin American and Caribbean philosophies. I am thus interested in topics such as the theory and practice of epistemic decolonization; the method, ethics, and politics of liberation philosophy; the Afro-Caribbean anti-colonial tradition, particularly in the works of Sylvia Wynter and Frantz Fanon; the history of Latin American thought; and decolonial feminisms. One aspect of my work, for instance, employs the frameworks of decolonial thinking to examine the intersection between religion, politics, and secularization. This is an inquiry that brings together discussions in philosophy, sociology, and anthropology of religion, as well as political theology, liberation theologies, and critical social theory. I also have interests in critical philosophy of race and comparative philosophy.

OUTLINE

1. RELIGION, POLITICS, AND SECULARIZATION

1.1 Decolonizing the Postsecular

My first book, tentatively titled Decolonizing the Postsecular, brings debates on epistemic decolonization to bear on theories of secularization and postsecularity as developed by figures such as Jürgen Habermas and Charles Taylor. It traces the relationship between secularism and colonization and offers an account of the modern dialectics of secularization from the perspective of Latin American and Caribbean decolonial thought. Published articles related to this project can be found in the APA Newsletter on Hispanic/Latino Issues in Philosophy (on Enrique Dussel), The Journal of Speculative Philosophy (on Gloria Anzaldúa), and Comparative and Continental Philosophy (on Sylvia Wynter).

1.2 Modernity as Political Theology

My second book project, tentatively titled Modernity as Political Theology: A Decolonial Argument, examines the relation between philosophy of religion and political theology in the context of epistemic decolonization. Thus far, I have explored this relation through a meta-theoretical revision of Latin American liberation philosophy in the Journal of World Philosophies, and I have forthcoming work on (i) the postsecular method of liberation philosophy, which itself makes possible (ii) a postsecular politico-theological reading of Marx’s work.

1.3 Decolonizing Spiritualities

I retain serious interests in exploring the relevance of spirituality to decolonization. I have done so in an editorial capacity in special issues for The CLR James Journal and LÁPIZ (on learning from liberation theologies). I also have forthcoming work on (i) Sylvia Wynter’s “demonic spirituality” and (ii) on the spiritual element of violence in contemporary Mexico.

2. DECOLONIAL THOUGHT

My general contributions to decolonial thinking can be found in the anthology Decolonising the University (concerning decolonizing the discipline of philosophy), and TRANSMODERNITY: Journal of Peripheral Cultural Production of the Luso-Hispanic World (on the Zapatistas). I have work in progress on (i) decolonial aesthetics and (ii) on developing a South-South decolonial dialogue between Latin American and East Asian critiques of modernity.

3. PHILOSOPHY OF RACE

I am currently revisiting twentieth century debates on race and class with the purpose of developing a decolonial analysis of the ways in which race and class intersect today. Forthcoming work revisits the approaches of two Black Caribbean Marxists: (i) Stuart Hall, and (ii) Charles W. Mills.

See my Academia page for access to final drafts of all my publications.