Etienne Gilson Quotes
Etienne Gilson (1884-1978) was a French philosopher and historian of philosophy. He was a major figure in the revival of Thomism, the philosophical school of thought based on the works of St. Thomas Aquinas. He wrote extensively on medieval philosophy, and his works include The Spirit of Medieval Ph…Read More
Etienne Gilson (1884-1978) was a French philosopher and historian of philosophy. He was a major figure in the revival of Thomism, the philosophical school of thought based on the works of St. Thomas Aquinas. He wrote extensively on medieval philosophy, and his works include The Spirit of Medieval Philosophy (1936), The Unity of Philosophical Experience (1937), and The Christian Philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas (1956). He was a member of the Académie française and was awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. He was also a professor at the University of Paris and the University of Toronto.Read Less
Etienne Gilson (1884-1978) was a French philosopher and historian of philosophy. He was a major figure in the revival of Thomism, the philosophical school of thought based on the works of St. Thomas Aquinas. He wrote extensively on medieval philosophy, and his works include The Spirit of Medieval Philosophy (1936), The Unity of Philosophical Experience (1937), and The Christian Philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas (1956). He was a member of the Académie française and was awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. He was also a professor at the University of Paris and the University of Toronto.
Etienne Gilson Career Highlights
Etienne Gilson was a French philosopher and historian of philosophy, known for his work in medieval philosophy and the history of ideas. He was born on June 13, 1884, in Paris, France, and passed away on September 19, 1978, in Auxerre, France.Gilson received his education at the University of Paris, where he studied under renowned philosophers such as Henri Bergson and Lucien Lévy-Bruhl. He later became a professor at the University of Strasbourg and then at the Sorbonne in Paris.
Key Contributions by Etienne Gilson
Gilson’s most significant contribution to philosophy was his revival of the study of medieval philosophy. He argued that medieval philosophy was not a mere stepping stone to modern philosophy but a distinct and valuable tradition in its own right. He also emphasized the importance of understanding the historical context in which philosophical ideas emerged.Gilson’s work on the history of ideas also had a significant impact. He argued that ideas should not be studied in isolation but in relation to the cultural and intellectual climate of their time. This approach has influenced many historians and philosophers of ideas.
What Sets Etienne Gilson Apart
What sets Gilson apart is his ability to bridge the gap between medieval and modern philosophy. He was one of the first philosophers to recognize the importance of medieval thought and to bring it back into the mainstream of philosophical discourse. His work also emphasized the importance of understanding the historical context of ideas, which has had a lasting impact on the study of philosophy.
Takeaways
Etienne Gilson’s work continues to be highly influential in the fields of medieval philosophy and the history of ideas. His emphasis on the importance of understanding the historical context of ideas and his revival of medieval philosophy have had a lasting impact on the study of philosophy. His contributions have helped bridge the gap between medieval and modern thought and have enriched our understanding of the development of philosophical ideas.
Other People
Philosopher
· England
1583
Philosopher
· United Kingdom
1949
Philosopher
· England
1910 - 1989
Philosopher
