LA FILOSOFÍA EN LA REAL Y PÚBLICA UNIVERSIDAD SECULARIZADA “SANTO TOMÁS DE AQUINO” DE QUITO: 1786 - 1823

Abstract

This study contributes to the knowledge of the importance of the Santo Tomás de Aquino University in the surroundings of the Audience and surrounding territories, it worked in Quito at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. The participation of young people from Quito is highlighted in the Enlightenment process guided by the University reform established by Bishop José Pérez Calama, with the strengthening of social sciences, especially History, Philosophy and Economics, in the framework of the economic decline of the Hispanic kingdoms, product, among other things, of the Bourbon Reforms, a period in which the Quitons suffer recession and inflation and, at the same time, are prevented from exporting their production.

The present study shows that, at this time, the University of Quito expanded and flourished in theoretical and practical knowledge, standing alongside European trends in modernity. This work presents the following aspects indicated by subtitles: the Analysis of the name of the University, then reviews the Historical - Geographical works of Quito published by Quito writers and made between the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, in another section they are recorded contributions to higher education and literature made by The Enlightened José Pérez Calama, José Mexía, and Camilo Henríquez. Finally, it shows the work done by Professor Dr. Miguel Antonio Rodríguez Mañozca, author of the 194 theses of Eclectic Philosophy, which was studied at the University Santo Tomás de Quito, theses still unknown. This article highlights the academic work and development of Quito's intellectuality, its theoretical-philosophical thinking becomes the political praxis of Independence through its Constitution of February 15, 1812. The author of this work presents them in latin and in Spanish. They are presented in Annex at the end of the text.