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Gabriel SeayFrench philosopher
Date of Birth: 27.06.1852
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Academic Career
- Collaboration with Paul Janet and Professorship at the Sorbonne
- Philosophical Contributions
- Role of Genius in Cognition
- Harmonious Unity and the Problem of Evil
- Influence and Major Works
- "Ernest Renan, a Psychological Biography" (1894)
Early Life and Education
Gabriel Séailles was born in Paris, France on June 27, 1852. He attended the Lycée Saint-Louis before enrolling at the École Normale Supérieure in 1872. In 1875, he received his agrégation in philosophy.
Academic Career
Séailles began his teaching career as a professor of philosophy at Laval and Brest. He later taught in Paris at the lycées Charlemagne and Henri IV. In 1883, he earned his doctorate with a dissertation on the concept of genius in art.
Collaboration with Paul Janet and Professorship at the Sorbonne
In 1886, Séailles became a lecturer at the Sorbonne. He collaborated with Paul Janet on the textbook "History of Philosophy: Problems and Schools" (1887). In 1898, he succeeded Janet as professor of philosophy at the Sorbonne.
Philosophical Contributions
Séailles's philosophical work was influenced by the rationalism of Renouvier and the romanticism of Ravaisson. He believed that there was no sharp distinction between subject and object in knowledge. The mind, according to Séailles, was an extension of natural life, and both were subject to the same laws and striving for unity and harmony.
Role of Genius in Cognition
Séailles introduced the concept of "genius," which he described as an intuitive force that guides human creativity and understanding. Through this genius, people can organize their thoughts into coherent systems and reveal the underlying unity and order of life.
Harmonious Unity and the Problem of Evil
Séailles argued that harmony and order prevailed in life. He believed that evil was only a temporary obstacle that allowed individuals to appreciate the value of good. Suffering, he asserted, motivated people to action and encouraged progress.
Influence and Major Works
Séailles's work had a significant impact on French philosophy. His major works included:
"Ernest Renan, a Psychological Biography" (1894)
"The Philosophy of Charles Renouvier" (1905)"Leonardo da Vinci, Artist and Scientist" (1912)
"The Philosophy of Jules Lachelier" (1920)
"The Philosophy of Labor" (1923)
"Watteau: A Critical Biography" (1940)
Gabriel Séailles died in Paris on June 6, 1922. His philosophical legacy continues to shape the study of philosophy and aesthetics.
