Cautivos del Clima. El problema de la esclavitud en el pensamiento de Montesquieu

Abstract

In western academia, Montesquieu is usually seen as a philosopher pioneer of modern anti-slavery. However, such interpretation is based only on some passages of his work, ignoring others that go against anti-slavery theories. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to address Montesquieu's thought about slavery and colonialism, trying to prove that because of its Eurocentric and conservative perspective, he held a contradictory position towards the institution by denying its legitimacy in Europe and accepting it in the field of non-European nations.