The Nordic Plato-Society was co-founded in 1971 by Egil A. Wyller, an academic who dedicated his career to the analysis of classical thought. Serving as a professor at the University of Oslo, he contributed extensive translations and analytical works that bridged ancient Greek philosophy with modern intellectual history, solidifying his role within Norwegian academic circles until his death in 2021.
Academic Foundation and Research
Born in Stavanger in 1925, Wyller pursued his early intellectual interests at the University of Oslo. By 1954, he completed his Master of Arts degree. He subsequently expanded his academic training in Germany, studying in Tübingen and Freiburg. These years of focused inquiry culminated in 1961 when he earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree, presenting a dissertation centered on the works of Plato.
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Wyller established his primary professional home within the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Oslo. In 1969, he was appointed to a professorship, a position he used to influence the study of history and philosophy. Beyond his instructional duties, he acted as a co-editor for the book series Idé og tanke and contributed to the establishment of the Nordic Plato-Society.
Scholarship and Translation
The scope of his bibliography reflects a focus on classical philology and the history of ideas. Key publications include Tidsproblemet hos Olaf Bull, published in 1959, and Enhet og annethet, released in 1981. His scholarly reach also extended internationally, with works such as Der späte Platon in 1970 and Henologische Perspektiven in 1995. Additionally, he produced twenty volumes of the Henologisk skriftserie between 1994 and 2002.
Recognition and Legacy
Wyller received several distinctions for his contributions to scholarship and public life. He was appointed a Knight First Class of the Order of St. Olav in 2000 and held the title of Commander of the Order of the Phoenix. Earlier in his career, in 1987, he was awarded the Oslo City Culture Award. He maintained memberships in both the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters and the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters.
Fast facts
- Born: 1925, Stavanger
- Died: 2021, Oslo
- Primary Academic Field: Philosophy
- Doctoral Degree Earned: 1961
- Notable Membership: Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters
- Order of St. Olav Awarded: 2000
Questions readers ask
What was the primary focus of Wyller's research?
His work centered on classical philology and the philosophy of Plato, which he explored through historical analysis and Norwegian translations.
Which academic institutions was he affiliated with?
He was educated at the University of Oslo and later served as a professor within the university's Faculty of Humanities.
Achievements
- Knight First Class of the Order of St. Olav
- Commander of the Order of the Phoenix
- Held posts at Faculty of Humanities, University of Oslo
- Fields: philosophy, history and translating activity
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