The publication of Amador established Fernando Savater as a significant voice in contemporary ethics, blending accessible prose with rigorous philosophical inquiry. Born in 1947 in San Sebastián, Spain, Savater built a career defined by his dual roles as a dedicated academic and a vocal participant in the nation's often turbulent political discourse.
Academic Career and Philosophy
Savater received his education at the Complutense University of Madrid. His teaching tenure included positions at the Autonomous University of Madrid, the University of the Basque Country, where he served as a professor of ethics for over a decade, and his current role as a professor of philosophy at the Complutense University of Madrid. His writing spans diverse subjects, including literary studies, cinema, and politics, while his personal stance is characterized by a commitment to atheism.
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The philosopher has been actively involved in various organizations focused on peace and opposition to terrorism, most notably the group ¡Basta Ya!. His political activities include co-founding the now-disbanded political party Unión, progreso y democracia alongside figures such as Rosa Díez, Albert Boadella, and Mario Vargas Llosa. These efforts were primarily directed against nationalist movements. He has also participated in initiatives like the 2012 reconversion.es platform and the Manifiesto por la historia y la libertad.
Editorial and Literary Contributions
In 1990, Savater collaborated with Javier Pradera to establish the publication Claves de Razón Práctica. By 2012, he assumed the role of Editor in Chief, overseeing a transition into the magazine's second era. His extensive bibliography includes titles such as Nihilismo y acción, published in 1970, and La tarea del héroe from 1981, alongside more recent works like the 2012 release, Ética de Urgencia.
Awards and Recognition
His intellectual contributions have garnered numerous accolades throughout his career. These include the National Award of Essay in 1982, the Francisco Cerecedo Prize in 1997, and the Sakharov Prize in 2000. He also received the Dr. J.P. van Praag-prijs in 1997, the Premio Planeta de Novela in 2008, and holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Alcala, awarded in 2003.
Fast facts
- Born: 1947, San Sebastián, Spain
- Education: Complutense University of Madrid
- Notable Work: Amador
- Political Association: ¡Basta Ya!
- Awards: Sakharov Prize (2000), National Award of Essay (1982)
- Religion: Atheism
- Primary Occupation: Professor of Philosophy
Questions readers ask
What is the primary focus of Fernando Savater's work?
His work covers contemporary ethics, politics, literary studies, and cinema.
Which academic institutions has he been affiliated with?
He has held teaching positions at the Complutense University of Madrid, the Autonomous University of Madrid, and the University of the Basque Country.
Achievements
- Francisco Cerecedo Prize — 1997
- Sakharov Prize — 2000
- Notable work: Amador
- Held posts at Autonomous University of Madrid, Complutense University of Madrid and University of the Basque Country
