Leonel Alvarez Ceja

Tialli (Hello), My name is Leonel Alvarez Ceja; I am an Indigenous Chicano (Xicanx) Philosopher. I am a first-generation student, having been the first in my family to attend middle and high school and acquire literacy skills. At present, I find myself in the initial stages of pursuing a Ph.D. at the Sage School of Philosophy at Cornell University, commencing in the Fall of 2024. My primary research interests are in Metaphysics (social ontology and causation), Latinx, Chicanx, Mexican, Moral, Social, Political, and Indigenous Mesoamerican Philosophy. I am currently engaged in two projects: the first is on constructing a comprehensive philosophical framework explaining the totality of the Xicanx (Chicanx) identity. That is, my primary aim is to analyze and give an account of the philosophical dimensions surrounding the origins, nature, and future of the Xicanx (Chicanx) identity. While the second project focuses on Aztec causation. I am humbled to have my dissertation advised by Kate Manne (Cornell), Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò (Cornell), Nicholas Silins (Cornell), Ned Hall (Harvard), and Stephen Darwall (Yale).

In the past, I served as a researcher to Calvin Normore at UCLA, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. Prior to that, I held a similar position under Katrina Elliott. Additionally, I am a co-founder and signatory of the MAP Chapter at UCLA.

I am originally from Aztlan, and my family currently resides in the rural villages of Paredones and Potrerillos (near the Purepecha village of Tzitzio), located in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. My ancestors are the indigenous communities (Purépecha and Azteca) that inhabited the Mexican highlands, a legacy that I hold in the utmost regard and reverence, paying homage to both my ancestors and the present-day elders.

My overarching objective is to utilize my philosophical research toward the preservation, inquiry, and advancement of the knowledge and wisdom of my people while contributing to the present-day pursuit of social justice, equity, and inclusivity.

In Lak’ech Ala K’in (You are another me)