This thesis is the first presentation of the philosophical ideas of Jose Ingenieros in English. The works of this Latin American philosopher have never been translated. Until now, his ideas have been limited to Spanish speakers. My aim is to contribute to the rediscovery of Ingenieros and to incorporate his ideas presented in El Hombre Mediocre and Hacia una Moral sin Dogmas to the current philosophical and sociopolitical discourse. In this thesis, I present the impact of Ingenieros’ life and his radical moral philosophy. I also explore the relationship between him and Ralph Waldo Emerson. In addition, I explain why this link bridges a gap between Latin American philosophy and American pragmatism. Furthermore, I analyze the philosophical implications of Ingenieros’ moral account, which states that there is a hierarchy of men: inferior, mediocre and superior, and that it is the duty of the superior to inspire and promote the perfection of the inferior. I analyze possible objections to his account of idealistic elitism, but ultimately argue that recognizing these differences does not lead to pessimistic effects. I will argue that, if applied correctly, his account overcomes many of the challenges of egalitarianism, the opposing view that claims that men are equal in moral value.

This thesis is the first presentation of the philosophical ideas of Jose Ingenieros in English. The works of this Latin American philosopher have never been translated. Until now, his ideas have been limited to Spanish speakers. My aim is to contribute to the rediscovery of Ingenieros and to incorporate his ideas presented in El Hombre Mediocre and Hacia una Moral sin Dogmas to the current philosophical and sociopolitical discourse. In this thesis, I present the impact of Ingenieros’ life and his radical moral philosophy. I also explore the relationship between him and Ralph Waldo Emerson. In addition, I explain why this link bridges a gap between Latin American philosophy and American pragmatism. Furthermore, I analyze the philosophical implications of Ingenieros’ moral account, which states that there is a hierarchy of men: inferior, mediocre and superior, and that it is the duty of the superior to inspire and promote the perfection of the inferior. I analyze possible objections to his account of idealistic elitism, but ultimately argue that recognizing these differences does not lead to pessimistic effects. I will argue that, if applied correctly, his account overcomes many of the challenges of egalitarianism, the opposing view that claims that men are equal in moral value.