April 12

Born in 1526 in Muret, France, Muretus became one of the foremost philologists of the Renaissance, mastering classical Latin and Greek texts. He taught at the University of Toulouse and later in Rome, where his lectures drew students from across the continent. His critical editions of Cicero and Horace were admired for their stylistic purity and scholarly rigor. Muretus also composed philosophical treatises and occasional poetry, bridging classical learning with contemporary thought. His connections with Popes Paul III and Pius IV brought him influence at the Vatican, though personal controversies led to his temporary exile. He died in 1585, leaving an enduring mark on the humanist tradition.

Born in Trieste in 1910, Gillo Dorfles studied medicine before turning to philosophy and art criticism. He co-founded the Movimento per l’arte concreta (MAC) and was influential in promoting concrete art in Italy. As an art critic, he wrote extensively on contemporary movements and the role of mass culture. Dorfles also created paintings that explored abstraction and symbolism. His philosophical writings examined the aesthetics of everyday life and the impact of technology on art. He taught at the University of Trieste and lectured internationally. He died in 2018, leaving a rich interdisciplinary legacy in art and thought.

Bryan Magee was born in 1930 and emerged as a leading British thinker and author. He served as a Member of Parliament and later dedicated himself to writing and broadcasting on philosophical subjects. His television series 'The Great Philosophers' introduced wide audiences to thinkers from Plato to Wittgenstein. Magee authored several books on philosophy, politics, and music. His work bridged academic and popular audiences, making philosophy approachable and engaging until his death in 2019.