Jules Barthélemy-Saint-Hilaire, born in Paris in 1805, navigated a multifaceted career as a journalist, philosopher, and government official in France. His life spanned most of the nineteenth century, concluding with his death in the same city in 1895. He left an extensive record of intellectual and political activity, including significant translations of Aristotle and high-level diplomatic service.
Early Career and Philosophical Contributions
Before dedicating himself to the history of ancient philosophy, Barthélemy-Saint-Hilaire worked for the Ministry of Finance from 1825 to 1828. During the late 1820s, he engaged in journalism, notably opposing the policies of Charles X through his writing in Le Globe. In 1830, he participated in the protestation of the journalists. By 1833, he shifted his focus toward classical philosophy, beginning a life-long project of translating the works of Aristotle. This scholarly commitment earned him the chair of ancient philosophy at the Collège de France in 1838 and a membership in the Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques.
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Barthélemy-Saint-Hilaire served as a republican deputy after the 1848 revolution. He participated in parliamentary commissions regarding education, where he debated the Falloux Laws of 1850–1851. Following the 1851 coup d'état, he temporarily withdrew from active politics. In 1855, he participated in an international commission to Egypt concerning the feasibility of the Suez Canal. He returned to the National Assembly in 1869, eventually serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1880 to 1881. During this tenure, he actively promoted the annexation of Tunis as a French protectorate.
Academic and Literary Legacy
His bibliography remains extensive, covering studies on Buddhism, the Vedas, and the Quran. Notable works include Des Védas, published in 1854, and Du Bouddhisme, published in 1856. He also explored the connection between philosophy and religion in his 1889 work, La Philosophie dans ses rapports avec les sciences et la religion. He was buried at the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.
Fast facts
- Born: 1805, Paris
- Died: 1895, Paris
- Education: Lycée Louis-le-Grand; Bourbon college
- Minister of Foreign Affairs: 1880-1881
- Director of the Collège de France: 1848-1852
- Award: Knight of the Legion of Honour (1860)
- Burial: Père Lachaise Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was his primary contribution to philosophy?
He is recognized for his extensive translation and study of Aristotle, as well as his academic work on Buddhism, the Vedas, and Islamic philosophy.
Did he hold public office?
Yes. He served as a member of the French National Assembly, secretary of the Presidency, and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Achievements
- Knight of the Legion of Honour — 1860
- Held posts at Collège de France
