August 26

Petrus Ramus (1515–1572) was a prominent French humanist who questioned the dominance of Aristotelian logic. He reorganized classical rhetoric and dialectic in his works, laying the foundation for Ramism. Ramus advocated a simplified logic that emphasized clarity and pedagogical accessibility. His teaching at the Collège de Navarre in Paris attracted many students eager for educational reform. Despite his innovations, he fell victim to religious conflict and was killed during the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre. Ramus's ideas influenced subsequent debates on methodology, education, and the scientific revolution.

Born in New York City in 1842, William James studied medicine before turning to psychology and philosophy. As a Harvard professor, he published "The Principles of Psychology" in 1890, a foundational work for the field. James developed functionalism, focusing on how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment. He introduced the philosophical school of pragmatism and wrote influential essays on religion and consciousness. In 1885 he co-founded the American Society for Psychical Research, exploring phenomena such as telepathy. James's teachings and writings shaped both academic psychology and modern philosophical thought until his death in 1910.