Francisco Javier Esteban Guinea

Francisco Javier Esteban Guinea, PhD in Law, is Associate Professor at Camilo José Cela University (UCJC) since 2010 and has previously taught at the Complutense University of Madrid and University of Salamanca. A graduate in Law from the Autonomous University of Madrid (1992), he also holds a DEA in Philosophy of Law (UCM, 1996), an MA in Psychoanalysis and Philosophy of Culture (UCM, 2009/10) and a PhD from UCJC (2012, cum laude).

Research interests revolve around the intersection of constitutional law, philosophy of law and emotional intelligence, with particular focus on freedom of conscience and religion, fundamental rights protection, and the legal implications of psychoactive-substance use within religious practices. He explores how emotional-intelligence tools can improve legal education and the judicial understanding of fundamental rights.

Guinea is an active cultural disseminator: he founded and curates the lecture series “Encuentros con lo Sutil” at Madrid’s Conde Duque Cultural Centre—recognised as the city’s most-attended cycle (2014). He has authored seven books, including the best-selling Psicomagia (2008), and directed two documentaries, Arrabal: Genius and Madness (2015), selected at Baghdad and Málaga film festivals.

Scientific awards & distinctions

• Outstanding “cum laude” unanimous grade for PhD thesis (2012)
• Best-selling book status for Psicomagia (>150 000 copies, 2008)
• Most-attended lecture series in Madrid: “Encuentros con lo Sutil” (2014)
• Official selection, Baghdad Film Festival (2016)
• Official selection, Málaga Film Festival

Teaching & societal engagement

• Teaches Constitutional Law, Philosophy of Law and Emotional Intelligence in the Law Degree, Criminology & Security Degree, and Master’s in Access to the Legal Profession at UCJC
• Co-founder & advisor, Socio-Educational Association “Teatro que Cura” (2017–present), promoting civic values and gender-violence prevention
• Former constitutional-law advisor and scriptwriter for the Parliament Interpretation Centre of San Fernando (Cádiz, 2010)

He also founded the university magazine Generación XXI (1996-2010) and contributes regularly to national media such as ABC Cultural, El Mundo and El País.