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Titu Maiorescu(1840-1917) centennial – a thinker’s legacy for today
Last modified: 2017-03-31
Abstract
One could not approach the Romanian culture and civilization without coming across the personality and work of Titu Maiorescu. In the second half of the XIX-th century when the social, cultural and above all political context has changed due to the union of the principalities Moldavia and Wallachia and the emergence of Romanian kingdom followed by the independence from the Otoman Empire the figure of Titu Maiorescu emerged from a family with tradition of work for the nation. After studies in the famous Austrian Theresianum Academy and Germany his involvement in the transformational work of the country has proved a model that up to this day proves a model and a reference no matter what fundamental concern either cultural, educational, social or political is the issue. As a teacher, minister, politician he was feted and honored as well as contested. The paper draws on the work and ideas as these are reflected in the history of Romanian philosophy(also history of Romanian Logic), history of Romanian literature, history of Romanian education, history or Romanian culture and civilization, and the impact of his political activity on whatever matters upon the public opinion. Although a large scale publication of complete work sets and popular editions is still an ideal the author has consulted the whole range of editions and specially the volumes edited at anniversary moments commencing with his retirement from the position of Professor at the University of Bucharest(1910), 50 years of activity, 70 years since his death. His main contribution the theory of forms without a background still fascinates the specialist of today and when it comes to analyze the impact of rapid cultural, social, political changes of today such as globalization the role of this theory in the assessment would prove more than useful. Comparative, analitical, hermeneutical and holistic the approach does not leave aside to reference to at least three of his disciples that formed the first generation of maiorescians: Constantin Rădulescu Motru founder of the Romanian school of Physchology, Petre Paul Negulescu a stellar historian of Philosophy and Ion Petrovici all three also occupied the key position of what we call now the Ministry of Education chair. 2017 is a year of reference for German culture celebrating 500 years since the beginning of Martin Luther’s reformation it is necessary to look again upon the work of such leaders as the reformers and Titu Maiorescu deserves the name of reformer reflecting to what extent the relevance of their work is valued today and whether our work and contribution to society falls short to them.
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