March 29

Born in 1688 in Stockholm, Emanuel Swedenborg was a brilliant mathematician and astronomer who undertook scientific explorations in Europe. He held a professorship at Uppsala University and designed one of the first envisioned submarines. In his middle years, Swedenborg experienced profound mystical visions and began publishing works on spiritual realms such as 'Heaven and Hell'. His theological writings proposed a unique interpretation of Christianity, influencing later movements like the New Church. Swedenborg's interdisciplinary work bridged science, philosophy, and spirituality until his death in London in 1772.

Joel Feinberg was an American philosopher and professor at Princeton University, celebrated for his influential writings on the moral limits of criminal law. His four-volume series 'The Moral Limits of the Criminal Law' examined key concepts such as harm, offense, and autonomy, reshaping contemporary legal and ethical theory. Feinberg also wrote extensively on rights, free speech, and punishment, contributing to philosophical debates on individual liberty. He served on various academic boards and was consulted on constitutional rights in both the United States and Canada. His rigorous analysis continues to guide scholars in philosophy and jurisprudence.