The Claretian Stage of J. D. García Bacca. Contrast of Interpretations

Abstract

Until the publication of Jorge M. Ayala’s book about the years in which García Bacca stayed in the Claretian institution, we knew very little about that stage in the life of the Spanish- Venezuelan philosopher. The data provided by Ayala about these years are key to knowing better about his life. But the approach Ayala takes in his book significantly limits the irrefutable achievements it contains. The aim of this paper is to dismantle many of Ayala’s views and judgements about García Bacca and, particularly, the bias in his interpretative approach to the events of the Spanish civil war and the many victims it caused, especially among Claretian members.