Luis de Molina
Luis de Molina | |
|---|---|
Portrait of Luis de Molina | |
| Born | 29 September 1535 |
| Died | 12 October 1600 (aged 65) |
| Education | |
| Alma mater | University of Salamanca |
| Philosophical work | |
| Era | 16th-century philosophy Second scholasticism |
| Region | |
| School | Molinism School of Salamanca |
| Main interests | Contract law Economics Mercantilism |
| Notable ideas | Introducing Molinism |
| Part of a series on |
| Catholic philosophy |
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Luis de Molina SJ (29 September 1535 – 12 October 1600) was a Spanish Jesuit Catholic priest, jurist, economist and theologian renowned for his contributions to philosophy and economics within the framework of the second scholasticism.
A prominent member of the School of Salamanca, pioneered a distinctive theory of divine grace and human freedom known as Molinism, which defends human autonomy in the face of divine omniscience.
His pro-liberty perspectives influenced not only theological debates on free will but also extended to economic and political thought, making him an intellectual precursor to individual rights and market dynamics. His work in developing early economic principles, particularly regarding human action, voluntarism, and property rights, laid a foundation that later contributed to Austrian economic theory and the evolution of modern libertarian thought.