Born n 1956. Ph.D in Sociology. Full professor at the Faculty of Ecomomics and researcher at the Institute of Sociology of the University of Porto. His research covers four different domains: epistemology and methodology of the social sciences, sociology of culture and arts; political theory and science; international relations. Member of the Bord of EMUNI - Euro-Mediterranean University. Former Speaker of the Portuguese Parliament, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister of Defence, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Minister of Culture and Minister of Education.