November 20

George Konissky served as an Orthodox archbishop celebrated for his eloquent preaching. He authored numerous theological treatises exploring Christian ethics and moral philosophy. Konissky's sermons blended spiritual guidance with rational discourse, appealing to both clergy and laity. He played a key role in the intellectual life of the Orthodox Church in the 18th century. His philosophical writings addressed themes of virtue, free will, and the human soul. Konissky's influence persisted through his students, who carried his ideas into Eastern European academies. He remains remembered for bridging ecclesiastical traditions with Enlightenment thought.

Josiah Royce was born in Grass Valley, California, and earned his Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University. He taught at the University of California, Harvard, and other institutions, becoming a leading figure in American idealism. His works include "The Religious Aspect of Philosophy" and "The Spirit of Modern Philosophy." Royce developed a unique theory of loyalty as the ethical principle linking individuals to communities. He also wrote extensively on the concept of the Absolute in religious experience. His thought influenced pragmatists and theologians alike. Royce died in 1916, leaving a profound legacy in American philosophy.

Born in 1862 in Hazebrouck, France, Georges Palante was a pioneering philosopher and sociologist influenced by Nietzsche. He challenged conventional moral norms and emphasized the importance of individual autonomy. Palante's works, including "Morale d'Élite" and "Nietzsche et l'individualisme," explored the tensions between individuality and social conformity. His critical essays addressed the dangers of egalitarianism and the rise of mass culture. Despite limited recognition during his lifetime, Palante's ideas gained posthumous attention for their depth and originality. He taught at secondary schools before his untimely death in 1925. Palante's legacy endures among contemporary thinkers interested in individualist philosophy.

Edvard Westermarck was born in 1862 in Helsinki, Finland, and became a leading figure in moral and social anthropology. He conducted extensive fieldwork in Morocco and Spain, examining marriage customs and moral codes across cultures. His landmark work, "The History of Human Marriage," challenged ethnocentric views and laid foundations for comparative sociology. A professor at the University of Helsinki, Westermarck also wrote on moral philosophy in works like "The Origin and Development of the Moral Ideas." His research influenced subsequent anthropologists and sociologists. Westermarck's interdisciplinary approach bridged philosophy and social science until his death in 1939.