Freedom of thought in J. M. Blanco White: towards a critique of the “Cortes de Cádiz”

Abstract

With Letters from Spain as the pivotal reference, this article approaches José María Blanco White’s evolution of the concept of freedom of thought. We also demonstrate this evolution, starting from his earlier works published in Semanario Patriótico and the journal El Español, through his mature works such as Spain and Autobiography. Specifically presented is his understanding of the problem of freedom of thought under religion, in a form that presents a series of legal and political implications. Today these implications are especially compelling in light of the reflections on the historical process of configuring the Spanish legal system, as well as the relation between freedom of religion and freedom of thought.