Haddox’s work makes available to the English reader an insight into the views of Antonio Caso, perhaps the major Mexican philosopher during the first half of this century. Haddox presents (1) the role of Caso as a “political ideologist-philosopher-educator,” (2) major emphases in Caso’s philosophy relating to life as economic disinterestedness and love, (3) the “Christian vision” of Caso and (4) selected translations from Caso’s works.
Haddox rightfully notes the significant contribution made by Caso along with other members of the Ateneo de la Juventud in undermining the the official “positivistic” ideological foundations of the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz. He also notes that Caso distinguishes between heroic and discreet philosophical approaches. “Inventive, enthusiastic, intrepid, striving and problematic” characterize the former and “objective, calm, abstract, logical and impotent” characterize the latter. Although Caso recognizes that a “synthesis” of these views is preferable, his philosophy probably reflects the former approach more so than the latter. Caso opposes dogmatism in any of its traditional forms—political, religious, economic or pedagogical. He supports representative democracy, creative and spiritual dimensions of human endeavor and personal commitment to an unselfish life of “loving and giving.”
This brief work does not explore in depth some issues of interest to a critical reader. Such issues include historical influences on Caso’s philosophy, critical justifications Caso provides for his conclusions, and a more critical evaluation Caso’s philosophical views.
