José Luis Fernández, Dean the Ecclesiastical School of Philosophy the University of Navarra from 1998 to 2004, has passed away

José Luis Fernández Rodríguez, Professor Emeritus the Schools Philosophy and Ecclesiastical Philosophy at the University of Navarra, passed away today in Pamplona at the age of 88. A native of Orense (born in 1935), he served as the second Dean the Ecclesiastical School of Philosophy university from 1998 to 2004.

Dgraduate in Philosophy from the Complutense University of Madrid and PhD from the School of Philosophy and Letters of the University of Navarra with Extraordinary award , he joined the faculty of the department of History of Philosophy in the early 70's. Shortly after, he obtained by civil service examination the Chair of Metaphysics at the University of Murcia and rejoined the University of Navarra as Full Professor of History of Philosophy . Shortly after, he obtained by civil service examination the Chair of Metaphysics at the University of Murcia and rejoined the University of Navarra as Full Professor of History of Philosophy.

Director of the department of History of the Philosophy of the School of Philosophy and Letters from 1991 to 1996, was part of the committee of essay and of the committee publishing house of several philosophical journals. After his retirement, from 2005 to 2009, he directed the Iniciación Filosófica Collection (EUNSA).

He was best known for his writings on French rationalism, in particular Descartes and Malebranche, in addition to his programs of study of God in modern philosophers.

Ecclesiastical School of Philosophy Ángel García Cuadrado, a professor at the Ecclesiastical School of Philosophy , recalls his friendship with Professor José Luis Fernández, which began when he was teaching assistant the Philosophy Department: “He was a discreet, calm, and very endearing person; a true Galician who quickly adapted to the Navarran way of life. As a philosopher, he liked to be thorough; careful and rigorous in his research.”

Looking back on his years as Dean the Ecclesiastical School of Philosophy his sense of responsibility and concern for the future of the faculty: “He encouraged us young professors to aim high in our work, urging us to work diligently and to go out into the world to broaden our horizons. But above all, I remember his dedication to the students; his interest not only in their training , but in them as people. He was deeply respected and loved by the students, who saw in him a true teacher of philosophy and of life.”