URRABURU, JUAN José. - Jesuit, Scholastic philosopher, b. at Cénuri (Biscay), 20 May 1844, d. at Burgos, 10 Aug. 1904.
He entered the Order in 1860 and, after completing his studies, taught philosophy and theology for several years at Poyanne (France) to his fellow Jesuits who had taken refuge there after being exiled from Spain. In 1876 he was called to the Gregorian University to occupy the chair of philosophy, which he held for nine years (1876–87). Returning to Spain, he subsequently served as rector of the College of Valladolid (1887–90), of the Scholastic College of Oña (1891–96), and of the Central Seminary of Salamanca (1896–1902).
His teaching is collected in his complete course of philosophy: *Institutiones philosophicae* (8 vols., Madrid 1890–1900), which he later summarized in the *Compendium philosophiae scholasticae* (5 vols., ibid. 1902–1904). Although somewhat prolix, the *Institutiones* were well received and are still read for their clarity, rigorous method, penetrating analysis, extensive and reliable information on both Scholastic philosophers and others—even opponents—and for the exactness combined with chivalrous courtesy in presenting and discussing opposing views. It cannot be said that U. was an original author, but he adhered closely to the traditional line, following Suárez most closely. Two series of articles deserve special mention: *El verdadero puesto de la filosofía entre las demás ciencias* (in *Razón y Fe*, [1901], pp. 57–69, 137–52) and *El principio vital y el materialismo ante la ciencia y la filosofía* (ibid., 8 [1904], pp. 313–26; 9 [1904], pp. 180–91, 325–41; 10 [1904], pp. 219–31; 11 [1905], pp. 54–66), which drew the attention of many foreign journals.