Civic culture and natural serfdom of native Americans in the works of Juan Ginés de Sepúlveda: natural slavery and colonialism in sixteenth century spanish viceroyalties

Abstract

This article presents the arguments in favor of the colonization of Native Americans in the works of Juan Ginés de Sepúlveda. The purpose is to link these ideas with Italian Renaissance humanism political thought. For this I will firstly explain the ideological context of Sepúlveda’s ideas. Secondly, I will mention the relation between civil virtue, security, and natural slavery and how he attempts to apply these concepts to America indigenous people. Finally, I will discuss why Sepúlveda’s writings on Native Americans were proscribed by Spanish political and religious authorities.