The Institute for Culture and Thought held the closing session of its interdisciplinary seminar series for teaching staff on Tuesday 20 May at the Barcelona Campus. The event featured a talk by Dr José María Torralba, Professor of Moral and Political Philosophy at the University of Navarra, entitled “Growing at University: From the Great Books to Professionalism.”

The session was introduced by Andrea Rodríguez, director of the Institute for Culture and Thought, and became a space for deep reflection on the ultimate purpose of higher education. Dr Torralba, who also heads the Centre for Civic Humanism and is an expert in character education, emphasised the need for universities to shape professionals with integrity – individuals capable of making ethical decisions and committed to the common good.

In his talk, he outlined three key components of a complete university education: the development of technical skills, intellectual training through the humanities, and character education focused on virtues such as empathy, humility and a sense of justice. “To train good professionals, it is not enough to pass on knowledge – personal qualities must also be cultivated. A good doctor needs patience, humility and empathy,” he remarked.

Drawing on examples such as the Oxford Character Project and the Core Curriculum at the University of Navarra, Dr Torralba underlined the importance of making the ethical and personal dimensions of professional life explicit. In this regard, he encouraged the faculty present from a range of disciplines to reconsider their curricula with a view to structurally integrating holistic formation.

His lecture also referenced thinkers like Zena Hitz and her defence of the “hidden pleasures of intellectual life”, championing the university as a place of learning where both critical thinking and personal reflection are nurtured.

With seminars like this one, the Institute for Culture and Thought reaffirms its commitment to promoting thoughtful discussion on the role of universities in contemporary society. The aim of the series is to provide an interdisciplinary space where teaching staff can explore how each discipline can contribute to a transformative education – one that places the person at the centre and is grounded in a vocation to serve.