Spanish Philosopher María Zambrano’s Legacy Honored

UNAM has announced the creation of the María Zambrano Chair, an academic initiative to celebrate the legacy of the renowned 20th-century Spanish philosopher.

The announcement coincided with the opening of the exhibition ”Women Exiled from Spain: Artists in Mexico” (Exiliadas de España: Artistas en México) at the Colegio de San Ildefonso, highlighting Spanish exiles’ cultural and artistic contributions in Mexico.

Tamara Martínez Ruiz underscored Zambrano’s deep connection to Mexico, where she sought refuge after the Spanish Civil War. During her time in the country, Zambrano authored key works such as Pensamiento y poesía en la vida española and Filosofía y poesía, leaving a profound mark on Mexico’s intellectual landscape.

The María Zambrano Chair will provide a platform for exploring the philosopher’s central ideas, particularly the intersection of philosophy, poetry, and exile.

Under the leadership of Sandra Lorenzano, director of UNAM’s Cuba campus, the chair will delve into contemporary philosophical issues, including gender, displacement, and the fusion of philosophy and poetry—core themes in Zambrano’s work.

This initiative is a collaboration between the Cervantes Institute, the University of Havana, and the embassies of Spain and Mexico in both countries. It also marks the 120th anniversary of María Zambrano’s birth and highlights her enduring influence on 20th-century thought.