An attack with a bomb in his house by a paramilitary group in Argentina in 1973 forced Enrique Dussel into exile in Mexico in 1975, where he now resides as a renowned philosopher and co-founder of the movement referred to as Philosophy of Liberation. The well-known philosopher will lead a presentation, free and open to any to attend, on at the University of Nevada, Reno campus on March 4 regarding Dussel's philosophical expertise on ethics concerning the poor and excluded in Latin America.

Dussel is currently a professor of ethics in the Department of Philosophy of the Autonomous Metropolitan University, Iztapalapa, in Mexico City. He has authored more than 50 books and lectured widely in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Dussel's work is rooted in engagement with the oppressed and is philosophically concerned with the creation of a just world order.

"This year's Leonard Ethics and Politics Lecture will give those who attend a chance to learn about ethics and politics on a global scale from one of the world's foremost philosophers," said Deborah Achtenberg, an associate professor in the University's philosophy department and organizer of the lecture.

"Ethics and Political Philosophy in Latin America Today" will be the topic of Dussel's 7:30 p.m. lecture at the University's Joe Crowley Student Union, Ballroom A. Dussel's presentation is the second annual Paul and Gwen Leonard Ethics and Politics Lecture sponsored by the University of Nevada, Reno, its philosophy department in the College of Liberal Arts and the Leonard Endowment in Philosophy.

"Latin American Philosophy is a growing field in the U.S., and we are excited to feature one of the most influential philosopher's in modern Latin America," Achtenberg said. "We also hope to reach out to the Latino and Latina communities of northern Nevada by bringing Professor Dussel to campus."

Dussel will additionally lead an open forum for students and faculty focused on his most recent work, Ethics of Liberation, at 3:30 p.m. on March 4 in Room 422 of the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center. Ethics of Liberation, which provides a comprehensive world history of ethics, was published in an English translation for the first time this month by Duke University.

The Paul and Gwen Leonard Ethics and Politics Lecture brings world-renowned philosophers to the University and is an adjunct to the Department of Philosophy's new academic degree programs in ethics, law and politics, introduced in fall 2011.

The lecture is free and open to the public, with complimentary parking available on the top floor of the Brian J. Whalen Parking Complex.