The Government of Navarra has approved a decree granting the Gold Medal of Navarra to philosopher Daniel Innerarity, who is internationally recognised for his contributions to improving the quality of governance and advocating for a democracy adapted to the challenges of the 21st century.
Innerarity's thoughts are encapsulated in over 40 books and numerous scientific and journalistic articles published in national and international media. His recent reflections address the effects of artificial intelligence, the evolution of democratic freedom, and the rise of extreme denialism and misinformation in contrast to rationality and scientific thought.
“Daniel Innerarity is an excellent scholar dedicated to the detailed study of contemporary democracy, governance, and the management of uncertainty from a rigorous and honest perspective. He is considered one of the most influential thinkers in the field of political philosophy and democratic governance,”
noted Javier Remírez, the first vice president and spokesperson for the Government of Navarra. The regional government has endorsed the proposal put forward by a jury composed of officials from various areas of the regional administration.
Remírez highlighted the significance of awarding the highest distinction in the region to one of the world's most influential thinkers, who previously received the Prince of Viana Culture Award in 2013. The Gold Medal of Navarra will be presented during the commemorative events for Navarra Day on 3 December.
Born in Bilbao in 1959, Innerarity holds a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Navarra and is a professor of political philosophy. He is an Ikerbasque researcher at the University of the Basque Country, director of the Institute of Democratic Governance, and a Senior Fellow at the European University Institute, where he established the world's first chair in Artificial Intelligence and Democracy. He has been a visiting professor at various European and American universities and is a member of the board of the Frankfurt Institute for Social Research, as well as Jakiunde, the Basque Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters.
In 2024, he was named one of the 25 most influential thinkers in the world by the French magazine 'Le Nouvel Observateur'. Throughout his career, Innerarity has received numerous awards and distinctions, including the Humanities, Arts, Culture and Social Sciences Award from Eusko Ikaskuntza-Caja Laboral, the Eulalio Ferrer International Humanities Award, and the National Research Award in Humanities 2022.
