Law, philosophy and politics: Elias Díaz’s lesson

Abstract

Elías Díaz is one of the most relevant Spanish intellectuals of the last 50 years and has opened up new paths in the fields of his plural research. Firstly, in its recuperation of Spain’s recent intellectual past, his work is pioneering and distinctive. It underlines the link between liberalism and democracy, secularization and reformism, and traces certain lines of continuity in our fragmented history. Secondly, as the central thesis of his contribution to the Theory of Law, he defends the fact that the internal relationship between Law and the Theory of Justice is based on the principles that inspire Constitutional Democracy. Lastly, in his Political Philosophy he aims to overcome the lack of connection between Public Ethics and Law and to facilitate the move in Politics from theory to practice in order to achieve an «integrated life». In their reconsideration of his work on the occasion of his retirement, Elías Díaz’s disciples and colleagues have not only paid an original tribute to their «Master» but have also set a great example and taught an excellent lesson to all lovers of Law, Philosophy and Politics.