SEPICH AS SOCIAL THINKER (ARGENTINA)

The work of Juan Ramon Sepich-Lange, twentieth-century Argentine philosopher, is reviewed and analyzed primarily in terms of his social thought. Following chapters on the character and history of twentieth-century Argentine philosophy and an overview of the body of Sepich's work, such considerations as the attitude of philosophers and the role of philosophy are examined with respect to the responsibilities of both. Sepich's continued preoccupation with existentialist thought, in the sense that acting is social, provides a metaphysical fundament for his political philosophy, which emphasizes the need for creating a sense of community and even more specifically a sense of community leading to a significant role in world affairs for Hispanic Catholic nations. Coming almost full circle, Sepich returns at the end of his life to a more abstract and even metaphysical social thought, especially with respect to establishing a unity and integration of philosophy and sociology. He is not necessarily less existential, but instead holds that a somewhat Hegelian emphasis on the philosophy of the spirit is the ultimate social goal for man, in that it promotes realization of individuals, awareness of others, and of future generations. The essay concludes with an epilogue reflecting on the relevance of Sepich's work to contemporary Argentine sociopolitical and philosophical dynamics.