June 19

Born in 1633 in Amsterdam, Limborch studied at Leiden University and became a prominent Remonstrant preacher. He served as a professor of theology, advocating for moderation and freedom of conscience in religious matters. His 'Institutiones theologiae' became a standard text for Protestant theology and academic instruction. Limborch’s writings on toleration influenced Enlightenment thinkers and contributed to early concepts of religious liberty. His blend of scholarly rigor and humanitarianism left a lasting mark on modern theological thought.

Joseph Diaz Gergonne was a pioneer in the study of projective geometry and mathematical logic. In 1810, he founded the Annales de Gergonne, one of the first specialized mathematics journals that fostered international collaboration. Gergonne introduced innovative methods in solving problems of conic sections and configurations. He also engaged deeply in philosophical discussions on the foundations of mathematics and the nature of scientific reasoning. His work laid groundwork for later developments in geometry and influenced thinkers such as Poncelet and Chasles.

Born in 1930 in Perm, Boris Parygin became a pioneering figure in Soviet social psychology. His work on group dynamics and mass psychology established the foundations of the discipline in the USSR. Parygin authored numerous books and articles exploring the interplay between individual consciousness and social structures. He served as a professor and mentored generations of psychologists across Soviet institutions. Despite the ideological constraints of his era, he introduced innovative research methods and experimental approaches. His contributions are recognized as crucial to the development of psychological science behind the Iron Curtain.

André Glucksmann was born in 1937 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. He emerged as a leading figure among the Nouvelle Philosophie movement in the 1970s. His essays challenged orthodox Marxist thought and condemned political oppression. Glucksmann wrote seminal works such as “La Cuisinière et le Mangeur d’Hommes” and “Les maîtres penseurs”. He was an outspoken advocate for human rights and intervened on behalf of oppressed groups in Bosnia and Chechnya. He continued to write prolifically until his death in 2015, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary philosophical discourse.

John Ralston Saul emerged in the late 20th century as a critical voice on the state of modern society, democracy, and citizenship. Born in 1947, his essay collections and novels probe the tension between individual rights and collective responsibility. His influential works include 'Voltaire's Bastards,' 'The Unconscious Civilization,' and 'A Fair Country,' for which he received the 2012 RBC Taylor Prize. Saul served as president of PEN International from 1999 to 2001, advocating for freedom of expression worldwide. His analyses draw on history, philosophy, and political theory, earning him the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to literature and public debate. He continues to engage audiences through lectures and writings on civic engagement and ethical leadership.

Timothy Morton is an American philosopher and professor at Rice University. He is best known for developing the concept of 'hyperobjects' in contemporary ecological philosophy. Morton has written influential books, including Ecology without Nature and Humankind: Solidarity with Non-Human People. His work challenges traditional boundaries between humans and the environment through object-oriented ontology. Morton lectures internationally, promoting new frameworks for understanding ecological crises.