Philosophers in conversation with Dr. Félix de Azúa, member of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE)

The IE School of Humanities recently hosted Dr. Félix de Azúa, prominent Spanish writer and member of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), for an in-depth session titled "Art and Contemporary Society: A Philosophical Encounter." The discussion was moderated by Álvaro Cortina, adjunct faculty member of philosophy, and brought together an exclusive group of CEOs, board members, and senior executives for an intellectually rich exchange on the relevance of aesthetics in modern life.

Throughout the conversation, participants explored how philosophical reflections on beauty, art, and culture can inform our understanding of contemporary societal structures and business environments. The dialogue encouraged a deeper look into the ways in which aesthetics and meaning shape leadership, ethics, and identity—both in personal and organizational contexts.

Dr. Félix de Azúa offered compelling insights into the role of art as a way of constructing not only individual perspective but collective values. He emphasized that philosophy is not merely abstract or academic; rather, it provides a vital framework for making sense of the cultural and social dynamics that influence the decisions we make as leaders and citizens.

The event underscored the importance of incorporating philosophical thinking into the corporate and public spheres, particularly as global challenges demand more thoughtful, culturally aware, and humanistic approaches. These types of conversations highlight the value of cross-disciplinary engagement, where the humanities meet business to uncover new ways of thinking and acting.