Alonso Gutiérrez, also known as Alonso de la Vera Cruz (c.1507–1584) was a Spanish philosopher and Augustinian, who took the religious name da Vera Cruz. He became a major intellectual figure in New Spain, where he worked from 1535 to 1562, and from 1573 to his death,[1] and in the history of Mexico.
Gutiérrez was born in Caspueñas, Guadalajara. He studied under Francisco de Vitoria, at Salamanca University.[2]
He wrote in favour of the human rights of the conquered peoples.[3] In 1553 he became the first professor of the University of Mexico. He died in Mexico City.
References
- John F. Blethen, The Educational Activities of Fray Alonso de La Vera Cruz in Sixteenth Century Mexico, The Americas, Vol. 5, No. 1 (Jul., 1948), pp. 31–47
- Arthur Ennis (1957), Fray Alonso de la Vera Cruz, O.S.A. (1507-1584). A Study of His Life and His Contribution to the Religious and Intellectual Affairs of Early Mexico
- Ernest J. Burrus, Writings of Alonso de la Vera Cruz (five volumes)