Nature, culture and well-being: Exploring the historical significance of Rosario de la Frontera thermal baths

Abstract

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked a significant turning point in global politics and the recognition of pressing environmental issues. This period witnessed the emergence of conferences addressing climate change and the adoption of measures to promote sustainable development. Bruno Latour’s book “We have never been modern” (1991) reflects on this historical moment, questioning the prevailing capitalist system and emphasizing the urgent need for a paradigm shift towards ecological principles. In the present context, there is a growing consensus on the need for immediate action to protect the environment. Rising sea levels, soil degradation, melting ice caps, and the impending extinction of species highlight the gravity of the ecological crisis we face. Latour’s concept of “living in times of ecological crisis” underscores the role of culture and its pursuit of abundance and comfort in contributing to this crisis. This study focuses on the thermal baths of Rosario de la Frontera in Salta, Argentina, during two distinct periods, 1826 and 1888. By examining this specific geographical location, the research aims to explore the complex relationship between culture and nature and uncover the motivations that shaped the societal mindset of the time. The study seeks to gain insights into the perceptions of well-being that influenced the development of certain inventions and the transformation of collective lifestyles, with enduring implications for the present day.