Escribano discussed the relationship between the qualities of the human mind and how they are manifested in the body. The professor introduced the audience to the debate between the philosophers Anaxagoras and Aristotle as to whether human beings are rational animals because they have hands or whether they have hands because they are rational animals.

During the lecture, which was attended by over 50 students, the professor discussed the uses of the hand and explained that it can be used to grab, receive, give, bless, promise and pray, and that, essentially, the hand is the instrument that makes us rational animals.

The lecture was part of the Philosophy Seminar conference cycle for secondary-school students organized by Dr. Magda Bosch. The next lecture, “The Body and Soul in Plato”, will be given by Prof. Bernat Torres on Thursday, 28 November 2013.