ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the morality of the Iberian Conquest and discusses whether an appeal to radical cultural diversity could justify the depredations carried out in its name. Spain and Portugal undertook the conquest of Latin America as an exercise of devotion to the Christian faith. Not all Iberian intellectuals of the period were averse to discussing the moral and philosophical issues raised by the Conquest. During the early stages of the Conquest, Las Casas's views about the Indians were influential not only with the Spanish authorities but also with the Roman Catholic Church, where they inspired some official documents. As well known, according to popular chronicles of the Conquest, the indigenous peoples of Latin America often engaged in human sacrifice and cannibalism. Like other humanist philosophers and clergymen, Francisco Vitoria was interested in problems concerning justice, human rights, and international law. He studied Thomism in Paris between 1507 and 1522 and later taught in Spain at the University of Salamanca.
