Born in the 16th century, and with figures like Francisco de Vitoria, the School laid the foundations for modern concepts such as human rights, international law, and freedom of conscience
Our patron, the University of Salamanca (USAL), is commemorating this year the eighth centenary of the founding of the School of Salamanca, one of the most influential intellectual milestones in the history of Western thought.
Today, to speak of the School of Salamanca is to speak of a group of professors, students, disciples, and followers of Francisco de Vitoria who, starting from a very broad conception of Theology, addressed other areas of knowledge and action. They relied on an updated version of the ideas of Thomas Aquinas—the foundation of Thomism and Scholasticism—on a synthesis of humanist trends, and on concrete social commitments to those suffering the worst living conditions of their time on both sides of the Atlantic.
Alongside Francisco de Vitoria, prominent figures among the members of the School included Domingo de Soto, Martín de Azpilcueta, Francisco Suárez, and Juan de Mariana. Together they developed new ideas that preceded or inaugurated modern concepts such as human rights, international law, the market economy, and numerous reflections on justice, property, tyranny, and the legitimacy of power. Their legacy continues to inspire jurists, philosophers, and thinkers worldwide.
To commemorate these 500 centuries of history, the University of Salamanca (USAL) is organizing an evolving program of activities throughout 2026, among which the following stand out in March and April:
▪️ [CON]TEMPO International Festival of Contemporary Music and Sound Art - March 4-20
▪️ "High Abilities: USAL Illuminates Talent" Conference - March 13
▪️ Relectio Diversitas Film Series - screening titles such as "Even the Rain" by Icíar Bollaín and "Evelyn" by Isabel de Ocampo
More information on the School of Salamanca website
University of Salamanca website
