(Facultad de Ciencia Política y Relaciones Internacionales, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, 2007-12) Mansilla, H.C.F.
The Andean area of Latin America has
experienced three main historical and cultural
currents, which had a strong influence
on collective mentality: 1) the pre-Hispanic
Indian civilizations, 2) the Iberian-Catholic
tradition, and 3) a mere instrumental reception
of actual western modernity. Both first
influences furthered an authoritarian and
collectivistic culture and were not
favourable to a critical and scientific spirit.
The re-establishment of democracy since
1980 promotes (with many impediments) a
generalization of human rights and the
introduction of a mentality opened to serious
scientific research. These efforts have
softened the power of authoritarianism and
weakened the dogmatic attitudes.