September 22

Paolo Ruffini (1765–1822) was an Italian mathematician and philosopher who made pioneering contributions to algebra. He is famous for Ruffini's theorem, which demonstrated the insolvability of the general quintic equation by radicals. Ruffini studied medicine before devoting himself to mathematics and taught at the University of Modena. He also wrote on metaphysics and the philosophy of science, exploring the intersections between logic and mathematics. His work laid foundational ideas for later developments in group theory. Ruffini engaged in public life, supporting educational reforms during the Napoleonic era in Italy. His bold attempts to prove the quintic theorem influenced generations of mathematicians.

Born in 1835 in Sumy, Russian Empire (now Ukraine), he studied linguistics and philosophy. Professor at Kharkiv University, he developed theories on the relationship between thought and language. His work "Language and Consciousness" argued that language shapes human perception. He introduced concepts of the linguistic sign and semantic analysis ahead of his time. Potebnja's interdisciplinary approach influenced later structuralist and semiotic scholars. He published numerous articles on Slavic philology and comparative linguistics. He died in 1891, leaving a lasting impact on the fields of linguistics and philosophy.

Born in 1907 in France, Blanchot served in World War II before turning to writing and philosophy. He contributed groundbreaking essays on literature, language, and the concept of 'the outside'. Blanchot’s works, including The Space of Literature, explored the relationship between reader and text. He was associated with prominent thinkers like Sartre and Derrida, influencing existentialism and deconstruction. Throughout his career, he published novels, essays, and critical studies that challenged traditional literary theory. He died in 2003, leaving a profound mark on 20th-century intellectual history.

James Lawson (born 1928) is an American activist, author, and academic celebrated for his leadership in the civil rights movement. Trained in nonviolent resistance, he became a key strategist and mentor to activists in the 1960s, including members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Lawson’s writings and teachings on nonviolent protest influenced major campaigns for racial equality. As a professor, he continued to educate future generations on social justice and human rights. His enduring contributions have shaped the practice and study of nonviolent activism worldwide.