May 06

Born in Paris in 1713, Batteux studied at the Collège Sainte-Barbe before becoming a professor at the University of Paris. In 1746, he published Les Beaux-Arts réduits à un même principe, establishing imitation of nature as the core of artistic creation. His lectures on history, morality, and art criticism attracted students across Europe and advanced the emerging field of aesthetics. Batteux was appointed to the French Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Inscriptions in recognition of his scholarly achievements. He argued that beauty arises from proportion, clarity, and emotional resonance, shaping later debates in art theory. His ideas influenced figures such as Diderot and Kant, bridging classical and modern approaches to art. Batteux continued teaching and writing until his death in 1780. His work remains a cornerstone in the philosophy of art.

Karl Christian Friedrich Krause (1781–1832) was a German philosopher best known for founding the philosophical movement called Krausism, which sought to reconcile individual freedom with universal harmony. Educated in Göttingen, Krause’s work spanned metaphysics, ethics, and theology, emphasizing the unity of all existence under a rational divine principle. He authored key texts such as Über das System der Philosophie und der Natur (On the System of Philosophy and Nature), influencing later liberal thought in Spain and Latin America. Krause’s ideas on education and society inspired reforms and academic institutions. His approach blended Enlightenment ideals with Romantic spirituality. Although less known today, Krause’s philosophical legacy contributed to discussions on personal dignity and social cohesion in the 19th century.

Martha Nussbaum is a distinguished philosopher whose research spans ethics, political philosophy, and emotional studies. Born in New York City in 1947, she earned her Ph.D. from Harvard University and has held professorships at Harvard, Brown, and the University of Chicago. Along with economist Amartya Sen, she developed the capability approach, a framework for assessing human welfare beyond traditional economic measures. Nussbaum's influential books include 'The Fragility of Goodness', 'Women and Human Development', and 'Upheavals of Thought'. She has explored topics such as emotions in moral judgment, global justice, and the rights of women and animals. A recipient of the Kyoto Prize and numerous honorary degrees, Nussbaum remains a leading voice in contemporary philosophy and public discourse.

Keith Dowding is a political scientist and philosopher born in 1960. He is a Professor of Government at the London School of Economics. Dowding’s research spans rational choice theory, public policy, and democratic theory. He has published widely on political behavior and decision-making processes. His interdisciplinary work bridges political science and philosophy. Dowding is recognized for advancing analytical frameworks in the social sciences.