The 1954 doctoral thesis on the concepts of natural law within Greek sophistry marked the start of a rigorous academic career for Mihailo Đurić. Born in Šabac in 1925, he navigated a path through the University of Belgrade Faculty of Law, eventually establishing himself as a significant voice in sociology, political theory, and the history of ideas.
Academic Ascent and Early Research
Đurić completed his education in Belgrade, where he focused on law, philosophy, and classical philology. Following his 1954 PhD, he joined the Faculty of Law as a Research Fellow. His status within the institution grew steadily: he became an Assistant Professor in 1957, an Associate Professor in 1964, and a full Professor in 1969. During these years, he provided instruction in general sociology, methodology of social science, and the history of political theory.
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In 1972, Đurić faced severe professional and personal consequences due to his public opposition to Yugoslav political initiatives. He expressed strong disagreement with 1971 constitutional amendments and the planned demolition of the Petar Petrović Njegoš chapel located on Mount Lovćen. His dissent, voiced within the university and in a literary review, resulted in his expulsion from his teaching position and a nine-month prison sentence. Public figures, including Ernst Bloch, signaled their opposition to these government actions during his trial.
Later Career and Scholarly Contributions
After his release, Đurić worked at the Institute of Social Sciences in Belgrade from 1974 until 1989. During this period, he held visiting professorships at the Universities of Vienna, Berlin, and Augsburg. He returned to the Faculty of Law in 1991 following his rehabilitation. From 1986 until 1998, he served as the chair of the Scientific Council at the Institute of Philosophy. His scholarly output was prolific, encompassing numerous works published in both Serbian and German, covering topics ranging from ancient Greek culture and Aristotelian philosophy to modern sociological methodology.
Fast facts
- Born: 1925, Šabac
- Died: 2011, Belgrade
- Primary Field: Philosophy
- Education: University of Belgrade Faculty of Law
- Languages: German
- Academic Membership: Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts
- Academic Membership: European Academy of Sciences and Arts
- Academic Membership: Association of Writers of Serbia
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Mihailo Đurić teach at the University of Belgrade?
He taught history of political theory, general sociology, and methodology of social science.
Why was he imprisoned in 1972?
He was sentenced for criticizing 1971 constitutional amendments and opposing the destruction of the Petar Petrović Njegoš chapel.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Belgrade
