Academic Freedom and Tradition in Philosophy: Miguel de Viñas S.I. Philosopher in Chile in the 18th Century

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to discuss the figure of the Spanish Jesuit philosopher Miguel de Viñas, S.J., who resided in Chile during the 17th and 18th centuries. In his work Philosophia scholastica (1709), Viñas delves into a series of topics related to university activities, specifically in the field of philosophy. Philosophia scholastica contains an extensive Latin Prologue which includes a series of instructions and advice that Viñas, in his capacity as rector of the Colegio Máximo de San Miguel, provides to teachers and students regarding how to effectively teach and learn philosophy. Considering philosophy as an intellectual activity aimed at the personal search and discovery of the deepest truths, Viñas emphasises that, while it is desirable to respect the philosophical tradition, teachers and students must undertake their own methodical and rigorous individual questioning to ensure genuine philosophising. Only by engaging in such rigorous individual questioning one becomes capable of teaching others while at the same time enjoying academic freedom. Contrary to what scholarship usually claims regarding scholasticism in colonial America, this chapter shows that, at least with Viñas, American universities left room for a high degree of autonomy in the exercise of philosophy.