Juan Ginés de Sepúlveda

Juan Ginés de Sepúlveda (1490–1573) was a Spanish philosopher and theologian known for his controversial views during the Age of Exploration. He argued that some peoples, particularly Indigenous Americans, were naturally inferior and suited for slavery, justifying the Spanish conquest and colonization. His ideas were opposed by figures like Bartolomé de las Casas, who believed in the inherent dignity and rights of all peoples. Sepúlveda’s arguments reflect the complex debates about morality, justice, and human rights during that era, and his work remains significant in the study of early colonial history and ethical philosophy.