The intellectual trajectory of Jacques Maritain moved from the natural sciences at the Sorbonne to a profound engagement with the works of Thomas Aquinas. Born in the 9th arrondissement of Paris in 1882, he emerged as a significant philosopher and diplomat who shaped modern discourse on human rights, Christian democracy, and the nature of education through his prolific writing career.
Academic Formation and Conversion
Educated at Lycée Henri-IV and the Faculty of Arts of Paris, Maritain initially focused on chemistry, biology, and physics. His disillusionment with the limitations of scientism led him to the lectures of Henri Bergson at the Collège de France. Following his conversion, his study of biology under Hans Driesch in Heidelberg and his subsequent examination of Aquinas at the encouragement of Raïssa Oumançoff established the foundation for his Thomistic approach to metaphysics and science.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Philosophical Contributions
Maritain authored over 60 books, grounding his philosophy in sensory evidence and first principles. In 1910, he published his first significant contribution, 'Reason and Modern Science,' which argued against science usurping the role of philosophy. He later served as a pedagogue, writing textbooks such as 'Elements de Philosophie' in 1920 to influence instruction in seminaries and colleges, maintaining that philosophy remains the queen of sciences.
Diplomacy and Global Influence
Beyond his academic life, Maritain served as the ambassador of France to the Holy See from 1945 to 1948. His career involved extensive teaching positions, including the University of Chicago and the University of Notre Dame. He played an active role in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and participated in international forums, including as honorary chairman of the Congress for Cultural Freedom.
Final Years
During his later life, Maritain resided with the Little Brothers of Jesus in Toulouse, having become a member of the order in 1970. He was an oblate for the Order of Saint Benedict and received recognition for his literary impact, including the Grand prix de littérature de l'Académie française in 1961 and the Grand prix national des Lettres in 1963. He died in 1973 and was buried in Kolbsheim.
Fast facts
- Born: 1882, 9th arrondissement of Paris
- Died: 1973, Toulouse
- Citizenship: France
- Primary Occupation: Philosopher
- Major Positions: Ambassador of France to the Holy See (1945-1948)
- Notable Awards: Aquinas Medal (1951)
- Academic Affiliations: University of Chicago, University of Notre Dame
- Buried: Kolbsheim
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Maritain teach?
His work spanned aesthetics, political theory, philosophy of science, metaphysics, and the nature of education.
Was he involved in politics?
Yes, he served as the ambassador of France to the Holy See from 1945 to 1948 and contributed to the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Achievements
- Aquinas Medal — 1951
- Held posts at University of Chicago
- Fields: philosophy
