Diverse students connecting, representing alterity in global education.

Beyond the Textbook: Can a Liberating Education Reshape Our View of 'Us' and 'Them'?

Beau Callahan in Mind & Education August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how Latin American philosophy and the concept of 'alterity' offer a fresh lens for understanding education, challenging traditional boundaries and fostering a deeper connection to our shared humanity."

In a world increasingly divided, the need for an education that fosters understanding, empathy, and critical thinking has never been more urgent. Traditional educational models often fall short, perpetuating existing power structures and failing to adequately address the diverse perspectives that shape our global society. But what if there was a different approach? What if education could become a tool for liberation, empowering individuals to challenge oppressive systems and build a more just and equitable world?

Enter the philosophy of liberation, a school of thought that emerged from Latin America in the 1960s and 70s, a time of widespread political upheaval and social unrest. Think of the era’s revolutionary figures and movements. From the fight against dictatorial regimes to the rise of liberation theology, Latin America was a hotbed of ideas challenging the status quo. Figures like Paulo Freire, with his 'Pedagogy of the Oppressed,' and theologians advocating for the poor, captured this spirit, advocating for education and spiritual practices rooted in justice and liberation.

At the heart of this philosophy lies the concept of 'alterity,' which emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the otherness of those who are different from us. This includes not only cultural and ethnic differences but also diverse perspectives, experiences, and ways of knowing. By embracing alterity, education can move beyond the limitations of traditional, Eurocentric models and foster a deeper understanding of our shared humanity.

What is Alterity, and Why Does It Matter in Education?

Diverse students connecting, representing alterity in global education.

The concept of alterity, central to the work of thinkers like Emmanuel Lévinas and later developed by Enrique Dussel, challenges the traditional Western philosophical focus on the self. It posits that ethical responsibility arises from our encounter with the Other—someone or something outside ourselves. Think of it as a philosophical call to step outside your own shoes.

In simple terms, it is an acknowledgment that our understanding of the world is inherently limited by our own experiences and perspectives. Imagine wearing a pair of tinted glasses your whole life. Alterity suggests that to truly see the world, we need to acknowledge the tint and actively seek out the perspectives of others, especially those whose glasses have a different hue.

Breaking Down Silos By emphasizing the importance of the 'Other,' education can help break down the silos that separate us.
Promoting Dialogue It fosters critical dialogue between different cultures, perspectives, and ways of knowing.
Challenging Assumptions Encouraging students to question their own assumptions and biases.
Building Empathy Cultivating empathy and a deeper understanding of the experiences of others.

Enrique Dussel's work builds upon this concept, advocating for a 'philosophy of liberation' that challenges the dominance of Western thought and recognizes the perspectives of those on the margins. The idea is that true understanding comes not from imposing one's own worldview, but from listening to and valuing the voices of those who have been historically silenced.

Embracing the 'Other': A Path Towards a More Inclusive Education

By embracing alterity and incorporating the philosophy of liberation into educational practices, we can create learning environments that are more inclusive, equitable, and empowering. We can equip students with the critical thinking skills, empathy, and cross-cultural understanding needed to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world. The journey starts with acknowledging the 'Other,' listening to their stories, and valuing their unique perspectives. It is a journey that has the potential to transform not only education but also our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.7443/problemata.v7i3.32086, Alternate LINK

Title: Alteridade E Educação: Um Exercício A Partir Da Práxis Pedagógica Da Libertação

Subject: General Engineering

Journal: Problemata

Publisher: Problemata: International Journal of Philosophy

Authors: Daniel Pansarelli

Published: 2016-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is 'alterity' and how does it relate to education?

The concept of 'alterity' is central to understanding the philosophy of liberation in education. It emphasizes recognizing and respecting the 'Other,' which includes acknowledging different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. In an educational context, embracing 'alterity' means moving beyond traditional, often Eurocentric, models and fostering a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. By valuing diverse perspectives, education can help break down the silos that separate us, promote critical dialogue, challenge assumptions, and build empathy among students.

How does the philosophy of liberation challenge traditional educational models?

The philosophy of liberation, originating in Latin America, challenges traditional educational models by advocating for critical thinking, empathy, and respect for diverse perspectives. Traditional models often perpetuate existing power structures, whereas the philosophy of liberation, inspired by figures like Paulo Freire, aims to empower individuals to challenge oppressive systems. This approach encourages students to question their own assumptions and biases, fostering a more inclusive and understanding world, in contrast to models that may inadvertently reinforce inequalities.

How can embracing 'alterity' lead to a more inclusive education?

Embracing 'alterity' is key to creating learning environments that are more inclusive and equitable. It means actively seeking out and valuing the voices and experiences of those who are different from us. By incorporating the philosophy of liberation, educational practices can equip students with essential skills such as critical thinking, empathy, and cross-cultural understanding. This approach enables students to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world, moving beyond the limitations of traditional models that may not adequately address diverse perspectives. The process of 'alterity' emphasizes listening to the stories of others and recognizing their unique perspectives.

Who are some key thinkers behind the concept of 'alterity' and how did their ideas influence the philosophy of liberation?

The concept of 'alterity' draws significantly from the work of thinkers like Emmanuel Lévinas and Enrique Dussel. Lévinas's work establishes the philosophical foundation by highlighting ethical responsibility arising from our encounter with the 'Other'. Dussel builds upon this, advocating for a 'philosophy of liberation' that challenges the dominance of Western thought. Dussel's perspective emphasizes that true understanding comes from listening to and valuing the perspectives of those on the margins, rather than imposing one's own worldview. This foundation allows the philosophy of liberation to challenge traditional models and foster a more inclusive and equitable approach to education.

How does the philosophy of liberation, rooted in Latin American thought, relate to social justice and equity in education?

The philosophy of liberation is fundamentally linked to social justice and equity in education. Originating in Latin America during a time of social and political upheaval, this philosophy directly addresses the need to challenge oppressive systems and advocate for the marginalized. By incorporating concepts like 'alterity,' it fosters critical thinking and empathy, encouraging students to question existing power structures and biases. This approach moves beyond traditional models that may perpetuate inequalities, instead promoting a more inclusive and equitable world where diverse perspectives are valued. It equips students with the tools to understand and address issues of social justice, empowering them to contribute to a more just and equitable society.