The "Indian" Problem at the National University of San Marcos in Lima (1879-1909)

Heredia-Neyra J.J. · Estudios Atacamenos (2025)

Resumen

This study distances itself from classical interpretations that consider the University of San Marcos a bastion of scientific racism and a legitimizer of the oligarchy. Following Clemente Palma, the university was thought to have supported Indigenous extermination and had a racist, exclusionary mentality. This study shows that a significant portion of the university refuted scientific racism and proposed the inclusion of "Indians" in the Peruvian nation. The authors point to the vast pre-Hispanic history to prove that, despite degeneration, the Indigenous could recover their grandeur. They also draw on ideas from European thinkers who were critical of scientific racism. Finally, they cite the Japanese take-off and triumph in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) as an example of the potential for degenerated "races" to regenerate. Nevertheless, their proposed redemption devices required de-Indianization. © (2024), (Universidad Catolica del Norte). All Rights Reserved.

Instituciones: Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola