Philosophy in Malta
Encyclopedia
Philosophy in Malta refers to philosophy done by Maltese nationals or of Maltese descent, whether living in Malta
or abroad, whether writing in their native Maltese language
or in a foreign language.
. This does not mean, if truth be told, that one's philosophical interest should not go farther still.
Malta appears to have been first inhabited some seven thousand years ago. Its sophisticated prehistoric temples are unique in the whole world. The earliest temple dating from around 4,100 BCE, these hallowed edifices precede the Great Pyramid at Giza by more than a thousand years, and Stonehenge by more than two thousand.
However significant such an ancient and noteworthy past might be, it would be fictitious to believe that Malta had ever been the centre of Mediterranean culture. In actual fact, it continuously lay on the fringes of sways with endlessly shifting pivots, and this remains so unto this day when Malta is part of the European Union. Having a Semitic language by origin, now with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock, the Maltese people
―sometimes with their philosophy and their philosophers―have indeed always been within the picture, even if in the background of some inconspicuous corner. Nonetheless part of it.
in the first half of the 16th century, the Maltese Islands were a forlorn place with little, if any, political importance. The few intellectuals who lived here grew within or around the religious orders that were present. Their cultural ties were mostly with nearby Sicily
. Philosophy was mainly studied as a stepping stone to theology. One notable exception seems to be Peter Caxaro, from the mid-15th century. He was a lay person with high offices. Though revered as a philosopher, he is more well-known as a poet.
An interesting group of people at the very beginning of the Knights Hospitallers' advent called themselves the 'Society of True Christians
'. They were a group of intellectuals mesmerised by the teachings of Martin Luther
who harboured some philosophical pretenses.
, which could make them look bad with the Pope
in Rome
.
Though philosophy continued to be mainly viewed as the hand-maid of theology, some intellectuals had an interest in cautiously branching out along some pathways of their own. This number would include interesting philosophers such as John Matthew Rispoli
, Constance Vella
, Joseph Demarco
, and Saviour Bernard
.
During this period intellectual circles were practically all part of the great movement of Scholasticism
, almost giving godlike status to Aristotle
. However, they were divided into two intellectually opposing camps: the ones who read the great Stagirite through the eyes of Thomas Aquinas
(the larger group), and the ones who read him through the eyes of John Duns Scotus. The above-mentioned John Matthew Rispoli
was part of the former faction. Others were philosophers such as Dominic Borg
, Thomas Cauchi
, Saverius Pace
, Francis Dominic Bencini
, Jerome Leocata
, Maximilian Balzan
, Henry Regnand
, George Sagnani
, Rosarius Mary Hagius
, Henry Ercole
, Stefano Pace
, Justus Azzopardi
, Gaetanus Matthew Perez
, Francis Saviour Farrugia
, and Joseph Rizzo
. The latter faction included the above-mentioned Constance Vella
, together with other such as Gasper Grima
, and John Constance Parnis
.
During the 18th-century part of the period of the Knights Hospitallers, science and the scientific method began to make head-way through over the trenches of the Scholastics. In this line of thought, we may find the above-mentioned interesting philosophers such as Joseph Demarco
, and Saviour Bernard
.
, ideas which had been explosive through the French Revolution
of 1789 began to make way into some intellectual circles susceptible to them. They came to light around 1798, when Napoleon Bonaparte expelled the Knights Hospitallers. Amongst interesting philosophers from this period, and with such a frame of mind, one might mention John Nicholas Muscat
, and Michael Anthony Vassalli.
It so happened that the French in Malta had a short life, since the aristocracy and the higher clergy roused the common people against Napoleonic rule (which was considered disadvantageous to patrician interests). Furthermore, the British, whom the same aristocracy and higher clergy had called upon to fight the French, had no interest but to consolidate the privileges of the upper-classes. Together these defused any revolutionary philosophies such as those which John Nicholas Muscat
, and Michael Anthony Vassalli could have embraced.
and, furthermore, subjugated the Maltese populace to their racist and colonial regime. The Maltese had little power to change such circumstances. Subsequently, the established classes of the Maltese chose to cooperate with the British, thus securing the little prestige and monopoly they had.
During this period, the higher schools resumed their business very much that which was done during the rule of the Knights Hospitallers. Again Scholasticism
came to the fore and flourished with philosophers such as Fortunatus Victor Costa
, Dominic Bezzina
, Jerome Inglott
, Saviour Cumbo
, S. Debono
, Nicholas Zammit
, George Caruana
, Dominic Pace
, Aloisio Galea
, Raphael Debono
, Francis Bonnici
, Peter Paul Borg
, Louis Farrugia
, John Caruana
, John Formosa
, Anastasio Cuschieri
, Daniel Callus
, Albert Busuttil
, Joseph Sapiano
, Angelo Pirotta
, and Nazzareno Camilleri
.
Most of these, if not all, adhered to Scholasticism
of the Aristotelic-Thomist hue, even if circumstances, along two centuries and a half of British rule, changed drastically. Of course, not all of these philosophers were of the same calibre. Some of them, such as Jerome Inglott
, Nicholas Zammit
, Angelo Pirotta
, and Nazzareno Camilleri
, indeed had a much more superior calibre than the rest.
During this period, an outstanding exception to all of these philosophers was Manuel Dimech, who lived and worked during the first decade of the 20th century. He not only did not adhere to any form of Scholasticism
but furthermore was a surprisingly innovative and original philosopher and social reformer.
was granted independence by the British mainly because it had become a liability to them in the context of post-WWII technological advancements. With matters in their hands, the Maltese sought to make a success story out of their independence, including in the cultural and educational fields.
Up till this time Scholasticism had waned and faded away. Very few continued to adhere to some of its tenets. One might mention here Giuseppe Mifsud Bonnici
, and Emmanuel Agius
.
Most of the other philosophers became somewhat more adventurous, exploring spheres which were to some extent inaccessible during the British (and much less the Knights Hospitallers’) period. We might include here philosophers such as Peter Serracino Inglott
, Kenneth Wain
, Joe Friggieri
, Oliver Friggieri
, Vince Riolo
, Sandra Dingli
, Mario Vella
, Joseph Giordmaina, Michael Zammit, and others. In terms of the development of doing philosophy in Malta, Peter Serracino Inglott
stands out as all-important, especially from the 1970s onwards.
Some other Maltese philosophers worked abroad. Though they retained their contact with Malta, they of course had a different frame of mind. One might include here John Micallef
, Edward De Bono
, and John Peter Portelli
.
joined the European Union
in 2004, and this might have ushered in new trends in philosophical circles. Though it might be too early to say such a thing, however, accession to the European block certainly can be considered to be a new phase in Maltese history, not only in economic terms but also in terms of cultural opportunities.
It might well be that philosophy is not the least to make some interesting advances. At present, on the ball one might encounter relatively young philosophers such as Claude Mangion, Mark Montebello, Clive Zammit, Mark Sultana, and Michael Grech. Some other names are slowly coming into focus, and perhaps will do so in a few years, names such as those of Mary Anne Cassar, Emmanuel Cefai, Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci, Mark Debono, Christopher Caruana, and Jean-Paul De Lucca.
, Malta
’s highest academic philosophy institution. The dates refer to their period of tenure. The chair of philosophy was established in 1771 by the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitallers, Manuel Pinto da Fonseca, when he transformed the Collegium Melitense (Maltese College) of the Jesuits into the University of Malta
.
without succumbing to conceit or pomp. The necessity arose for two main reasons. One, because the Maltese themselves, mostly due to a dearth of required research, did not acknowledge, much less appreciate, any local philosophical tradition; and, secondly, because any activity that was being carried out in the philosophical field—whether it was teaching, writing or simply discussing—was done as if the Maltese
themselves had, at most, a present without a past. Plato
, Kant
, Paulo Freire
, Wittgenstein, Jürgen Habermas
and the whole pantheon of European and American philosophers were thrown about chapter and verse; but not one single local name ever surfaced.
So what was done was start to dig deep into the dusty archives. In due course names and manuscripts and personalities began to emerge, enough to make one’s head spin. Next, some text-books were published; first, in 1995, a small book called Stedina ghall-Filosofija Maltija (An Invitation to Philosophy in Malta) to whet the appetite; then, six years later, in 2001, a two-volume encyclopaedia of philosophy in Malta
called Il-Ktieb tal-Filosofija f’Malta (A Source Book of Philosophy in Malta). Both were written in Maltese, both compiled by Mark Montebello, and both attracted considerable interest. The second one was more comprehensive and perceptive. It provided biblio-biographical information about all the known Maltese philosophers; a minute description of all known philosophical writings composed by Maltese philosophers (most of them still in hitherto unpublished manuscript form, generally written in Latin, Sicilian or English); and all the philosophical schools or societies that had existed in Malta
throughout the centuries. Unfortunately, so far no such publication exists for English-speakers.
. These also include significant information on particular Maltese philosophers. Happily, both books are in English. Both are by Mark Montebello.
The first, 20th Century Philosophy in Malta, was issued in 2009 (Agius & Agius Publications). It is a text-book which presents the work of select Maltese philosophers as responses or, at least, against the background of Europe's (and, especially, Malta
's) social, political and intellectual 20th century history. The main idea of this publication is to give students of philosophy in Malta
a practical tool for their studies and possibly their philosophical work.
The second book, Malta's Philosophy & Philosophers (PIN Publications) will be launched in the aftermath of the '2011 Malta Book Fair' which will be held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta, on 9-13 November, 2011. The book is an illustrated guide through centuries of philosophical activity in the Maltese islands. It is designed for a foreign as well as a Maltese readership.
and at other institutions of higher education, a first public conference on ‘Maltese’ philosophy was organised, articles were written, monographs published, first-grade dissertations undertaken, and so forth. All along one main idea has always been consistent: to instil in the young and upcoming Maltese philosopher a sense of local connection, pride and gratitude. This work is part of a continuum.
, philosophy has contributed to the academic and, sometimes, the intellectual and cultural life of Maltese intelligentsia. In most cases it functioned as a tool of the establishment—including the Catholic Church—to conserve and perpetuate orthodox and official doctrines. In other cases it offered alternative and imaginative routes of thinking. Despite its relatively long philosophical tradition, however, Malta has no particular philosophy associated to its name. Though sometimes innovative and creative, in their large majority Maltese philosophers have always worked with imported ideas and, but for very rare cases (like in the case of Manuel Dimech), seldom did break new ground in the philosophical field. Although the philosophy of many of them did not affect social or political life, some interacted lively with current affairs, and sometimes even stimulated societal change. Throughout the ages, Maltese philosophers did not adhere to just one philosophical tradition. The larger part pertains to the Aristotelico-Thomistic school. Every now and then, however, other trends appear along the way, especially during the last quarter of the 20th century
, such as humanism, empiricism, pragmatism, existentialism, linguistic analysis and some others. But for unique, rather than rare, exceptions, theism has been a constant trait throughout the whole Maltese philosophical tradition.
During the last thirty years or so philosophy in Malta took an unprecedented twist. Peter Serracino Inglott
gave it an extraordinary new breath of life by widening its horizon, diversifying its interests and firmly propelling it into social and political action. This style was taken up by others, and today philosophers like Kenneth Wain
, Joe Friggieri
and Mario Vella
continue this trend.
for students and the general public alike between February 17 and June 1, 2012. This will be every Friday between 2.00 pm and 3.00 pm. Attendance is free of charge.
The course has two main aims: to acquaint students with the history of philosophy in Malta and with most of its major contemporary representatives; and to give students some conceptual tools with which they can examine themselves, society and philosophical works. At the end of the course, participants should have a fair idea of the standing of philosophy in Malta, its merits and limitations, and the contribution it can continue to give to the Maltese people.
Malta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
or abroad, whether writing in their native Maltese language
Maltese language
Maltese is the national language of Malta, and a co-official language of the country alongside English,while also serving as an official language of the European Union, the only Semitic language so distinguished. Maltese is descended from Siculo-Arabic...
or in a foreign language.
Short history
Malta’s philosophical tradition begins its solid accrual from the stimulating time of the Aragonese Crown towards the beginning of the 16th century16th century
As a means of recording the passage of time, the 16th century lasted from 1501 to 1600. It is regarded by historians as the century in which the rise of the West occurred....
. This does not mean, if truth be told, that one's philosophical interest should not go farther still.
Malta appears to have been first inhabited some seven thousand years ago. Its sophisticated prehistoric temples are unique in the whole world. The earliest temple dating from around 4,100 BCE, these hallowed edifices precede the Great Pyramid at Giza by more than a thousand years, and Stonehenge by more than two thousand.
However significant such an ancient and noteworthy past might be, it would be fictitious to believe that Malta had ever been the centre of Mediterranean culture. In actual fact, it continuously lay on the fringes of sways with endlessly shifting pivots, and this remains so unto this day when Malta is part of the European Union. Having a Semitic language by origin, now with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock, the Maltese people
Maltese people
The Maltese are an ethnic group indigenous to the Southern European nation of Malta, and identified with the Maltese language. Malta is an island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea...
―sometimes with their philosophy and their philosophers―have indeed always been within the picture, even if in the background of some inconspicuous corner. Nonetheless part of it.
Pre-Knights Period (pre-1530)
Before the advent of the Knights Hospitallers to MaltaMalta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
in the first half of the 16th century, the Maltese Islands were a forlorn place with little, if any, political importance. The few intellectuals who lived here grew within or around the religious orders that were present. Their cultural ties were mostly with nearby Sicily
Sicily
Sicily is a region of Italy, and is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Along with the surrounding minor islands, it constitutes an autonomous region of Italy, the Regione Autonoma Siciliana Sicily has a rich and unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature,...
. Philosophy was mainly studied as a stepping stone to theology. One notable exception seems to be Peter Caxaro, from the mid-15th century. He was a lay person with high offices. Though revered as a philosopher, he is more well-known as a poet.
An interesting group of people at the very beginning of the Knights Hospitallers' advent called themselves the 'Society of True Christians
Society of True Christians
The Society of True Christians , whose original name was Confraternita dei Buoni Cristiani, was a philosophy study group in Malta which sought freedom of thought and action. It was made up of both clerical and lay persons, and its members were Maltese as well as foreign. Its area of specialisation...
'. They were a group of intellectuals mesmerised by the teachings of Martin Luther
Martin Luther
Martin Luther was a German priest, professor of theology and iconic figure of the Protestant Reformation. He strongly disputed the claim that freedom from God's punishment for sin could be purchased with money. He confronted indulgence salesman Johann Tetzel with his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517...
who harboured some philosophical pretenses.
Period of Knights Hospitallers (1530-1798)
The Knights Hospitallers made Malta their island-home in 1530, and remained sovereign rulers of the islands until they were expelled by Napoleon in 1798. As a rule, they cared about education and cultivation as much as their military campaigns and their economic welfare. Though they encouraged higher learning by giving protection to the various colleges and universities that were established (especially by religious orders), they also kept a very strict surveillance on all aspects of scholarship. They certainly did not like being picked on by the InquisitionInquisition
The Inquisition, Inquisitio Haereticae Pravitatis , was the "fight against heretics" by several institutions within the justice-system of the Roman Catholic Church. It started in the 12th century, with the introduction of torture in the persecution of heresy...
, which could make them look bad with the Pope
Pope
The Pope is the Bishop of Rome, a position that makes him the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church . In the Catholic Church, the Pope is regarded as the successor of Saint Peter, the Apostle...
in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
.
Though philosophy continued to be mainly viewed as the hand-maid of theology, some intellectuals had an interest in cautiously branching out along some pathways of their own. This number would include interesting philosophers such as John Matthew Rispoli
John Matthew Rispoli
John Matthew Rispoli was a major Maltese philosopher of great erudition. He was held in high esteem by the Grand Masters of the Knights Hospitaller Order, the Bishops of Malta, the Viceroys of Sicily, cardinals, bishops, inquisitors, and the common people...
, Constance Vella
Constance Vella
Constance Vella was a major Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in physics, logic, cosmology, and metaphysics. Vella’s speciality is that, despite being a Scholastic, he was not an Aristotelic-Thomist one , but rather an Aristotelic-Scotist philosopher, that is more in the line of...
, Joseph Demarco
Joseph Demarco
Joseph Demarco was a Maltese medical practitioner, a scientist, and a major philosopher. His areas of specialisation in philosophy were mostly philosophical psychology and physiology....
, and Saviour Bernard
Saviour Bernard
Saviour Bernard was a Maltese medical practitioner, a scientist, and a major philosopher. His areas of specialisation in philosophy were mostly philosophical psychology and physiology. Unfortunately, no portrait of Bernard has been located as yet....
.
During this period intellectual circles were practically all part of the great movement of Scholasticism
Scholasticism
Scholasticism is a method of critical thought which dominated teaching by the academics of medieval universities in Europe from about 1100–1500, and a program of employing that method in articulating and defending orthodoxy in an increasingly pluralistic context...
, almost giving godlike status to Aristotle
Aristotle
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and polymath, a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. His writings cover many subjects, including physics, metaphysics, poetry, theater, music, logic, rhetoric, linguistics, politics, government, ethics, biology, and zoology...
. However, they were divided into two intellectually opposing camps: the ones who read the great Stagirite through the eyes of Thomas Aquinas
Thomas Aquinas
Thomas Aquinas, O.P. , also Thomas of Aquin or Aquino, was an Italian Dominican priest of the Catholic Church, and an immensely influential philosopher and theologian in the tradition of scholasticism, known as Doctor Angelicus, Doctor Communis, or Doctor Universalis...
(the larger group), and the ones who read him through the eyes of John Duns Scotus. The above-mentioned John Matthew Rispoli
John Matthew Rispoli
John Matthew Rispoli was a major Maltese philosopher of great erudition. He was held in high esteem by the Grand Masters of the Knights Hospitaller Order, the Bishops of Malta, the Viceroys of Sicily, cardinals, bishops, inquisitors, and the common people...
was part of the former faction. Others were philosophers such as Dominic Borg
Dominic Borg
Dominic Borg was a minor Maltese philosopher who specialised in logic and rhetoric.-Life:Little is known about the private life of Dominic Borg. Neither his dates of birth and death nor his birth place in Malta are identified as yet. He probably lectured at the Collegium Melitense in Valletta...
, Thomas Cauchi
Thomas Cauchi
Thomas Cauchi was a minor Maltese philosopher who specialised in law.-Life:Little is known about the private life of Thomas Cauchi. Neither his dates of birth and death nor his birth place in Malta are identified as yet. He might have lectured at the Collegium Melitense see in Valletta. He surely...
, Saverius Pace
Saverius Pace
Saverius Pace was a minor Maltese philosopher who specialised in physics.-Life:Little is known about the private life of Saverius Pace. Neither his dates of birth and death nor his birth place in Malta are identified as yet. He might have lectured at the Collegium Melitense see in Valletta....
, Francis Dominic Bencini
Francis Dominic Bencini
Francis Dominic Bencini was a minor Maltese philosopher who specialised in apologetics.-Life:Benici began his studies in Malta, and went on to become a diocesan priest. He then studied theology in Rome, from where he obtained his graduate colours.Thereafter, he immediately began teaching dogmatic...
, Jerome Leocata
Jerome Leocata
Jerome Leocata was a major Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in metaphysics. His long academic career in philosophy and theology was very hampered by his many administrative commitments. His writings, however, bear witness to his thinking skills and his philosophical prowess...
, Maximilian Balzan
Maximilian Balzan
Maximilian Balzan was a minor Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in physics and art. He was also an accomplished theologian...
, Henry Regnand
Henry Regnand
Henry Regnand was a minor Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in logic and metaphysics.-Life:Unfortunately, little is known as yet about the private life of Regnand. He probably was a Dominican friar, but this is still unconfirmed sufficiently by documentary evidence. As an...
, George Sagnani
George Sagnani
George Sagnani was a minor Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in ethics and morals.-Life:Unfortunately, little is known as yet about the private life of Sagnani. He literally spend his entire adult life in Valletta at the Collegium Melitense, the old University of Malta...
, Rosarius Mary Hagius
Rosarius Mary Hagius
Rosarius Mary Hagius was a minor Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in metaphysics.-Life:Little is known as yet about the private life of Hagius. This is unfortunate because, from his extant works, it can clearly be seen that he possessed a superior mind, and quite dexterous in...
, Henry Ercole
Henry Ercole
Henry Ercole was a minor Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in ethics and logic. He enjoyed great esteem from his contemporaries, both as an administrator and a philosopher.-Life:...
, Stefano Pace
Stefano Pace
Stefano Pace was a minor Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in physics.-Life:Unfortunately, very little is known about the private life of Pace. It seems that, in his youth, he might have been a student at the Studium Generale of the Dominicans at Valletta, Malta. It seems he...
, Justus Azzopardi
Justus Azzopardi
Justus Azzopardi was a minor Maltese philosopher. His area of specialisation in philosophy was chiefly metaphysics. No portrait of him is known to exist as yet.-Life:Little is known of Azzopardi’s personal life...
, Gaetanus Matthew Perez
Gaetanus Matthew Perez
Gaetanus Matthew Perez was a minor Maltese philosopher. His area of specialisation in philosophy was chiefly ethics. No portrait of Perez is known to exist so far.-Work:...
, Francis Saviour Farrugia
Francis Saviour Farrugia
Francis Saviour Farrugia was a minor Maltese philosopher, doctor of law, and legislator. He specialised in jurisprudence .-Life:...
, and Joseph Rizzo
Joseph Rizzo
Joseph Rizzo was a minor Maltese philosopher and theologian who probably specialised in logic.-Life:Rizzo was a diocesan priest. He studied theology, and was a professor of philosophy. He taught philosophy in Malta at least between 1781-82...
. The latter faction included the above-mentioned Constance Vella
Constance Vella
Constance Vella was a major Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in physics, logic, cosmology, and metaphysics. Vella’s speciality is that, despite being a Scholastic, he was not an Aristotelic-Thomist one , but rather an Aristotelic-Scotist philosopher, that is more in the line of...
, together with other such as Gasper Grima
Gasper Grima
Gasper Grima was a minor Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in metaphysics and logic.-Life:Grima was born at Mdina, Malta, around 1680. He joined the Franciscan friars towards the end of the 1690s, and studied philosophy and theology with the Franciscans at Val di Noto, Sicily...
, and John Constance Parnis
John Constance Parnis
John Constance Parnis was a major Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in metaphysics, physics, and logic.-Life:Parnis was born at Mdina, Malta, in 1695. He began studying philosophy before he joined the Franciscans...
.
During the 18th-century part of the period of the Knights Hospitallers, science and the scientific method began to make head-way through over the trenches of the Scholastics. In this line of thought, we may find the above-mentioned interesting philosophers such as Joseph Demarco
Joseph Demarco
Joseph Demarco was a Maltese medical practitioner, a scientist, and a major philosopher. His areas of specialisation in philosophy were mostly philosophical psychology and physiology....
, and Saviour Bernard
Saviour Bernard
Saviour Bernard was a Maltese medical practitioner, a scientist, and a major philosopher. His areas of specialisation in philosophy were mostly philosophical psychology and physiology. Unfortunately, no portrait of Bernard has been located as yet....
.
Inter-Regium Period (1798-1813)
Towards the end of the period of the Knights Hospitallers in MaltaMalta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
, ideas which had been explosive through the French Revolution
French Revolution
The French Revolution , sometimes distinguished as the 'Great French Revolution' , was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France and Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed in three years...
of 1789 began to make way into some intellectual circles susceptible to them. They came to light around 1798, when Napoleon Bonaparte expelled the Knights Hospitallers. Amongst interesting philosophers from this period, and with such a frame of mind, one might mention John Nicholas Muscat
John Nicholas Muscat
John Nicholas Muscat was a Maltese doctor of law, and a major philosopher. His area of specialisation in philosophy was chiefly jurisprudence.-Beginnings:...
, and Michael Anthony Vassalli.
It so happened that the French in Malta had a short life, since the aristocracy and the higher clergy roused the common people against Napoleonic rule (which was considered disadvantageous to patrician interests). Furthermore, the British, whom the same aristocracy and higher clergy had called upon to fight the French, had no interest but to consolidate the privileges of the upper-classes. Together these defused any revolutionary philosophies such as those which John Nicholas Muscat
John Nicholas Muscat
John Nicholas Muscat was a Maltese doctor of law, and a major philosopher. His area of specialisation in philosophy was chiefly jurisprudence.-Beginnings:...
, and Michael Anthony Vassalli could have embraced.
British Colonial Period (1813-1964)
Despite the fact that the British were invited to help fight fend off the French, they remained in MaltaMalta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
and, furthermore, subjugated the Maltese populace to their racist and colonial regime. The Maltese had little power to change such circumstances. Subsequently, the established classes of the Maltese chose to cooperate with the British, thus securing the little prestige and monopoly they had.
During this period, the higher schools resumed their business very much that which was done during the rule of the Knights Hospitallers. Again Scholasticism
Scholasticism
Scholasticism is a method of critical thought which dominated teaching by the academics of medieval universities in Europe from about 1100–1500, and a program of employing that method in articulating and defending orthodoxy in an increasingly pluralistic context...
came to the fore and flourished with philosophers such as Fortunatus Victor Costa
Fortunatus Victor Costa
Fortunatus Victor Costa was a minor Maltese philosopher who specialised in metaphysics.-Life:Almost nothing is known as yet about the personal life of Costa. Only that he hailed from Senglea, Malta, and that in 1806 he was a religious cleric...
, Dominic Bezzina
Dominic Bezzina
Dominic Bezzina was a minor Maltese philosopher who mainly specialised in physics. He also dealt with logic.-Life:It seems that Bezzina was born around the mid-18th century. After becoming a priest, he taught philosophy and science at the Cathedral School at Mdina, Malta. He was also a Canon at...
, Jerome Inglott
Jerome Inglott
Jerome Inglott was a minor Maltese philosopher and theologian. His areas of specialisation in philosophy were chiefly metaphysics and ontology...
, Saviour Cumbo
Saviour Cumbo
Saviour Cumbo was a Maltese theologian and minor philosopher. His philosophical writings deal mainly with the relationship between reason and faith. Though his engagement with philosophical reflection was peripheral, his contribution in this field was at least interesting and at most insightful...
, S. Debono
S. Debono
S. Debono was a Maltese scientist, linguist and minor philosopher. In philosophy he mostly specialised in ontology. Unfortunately, his exact Christian name is unknown. Neither do we possess as yet a portrait of him.-Life:...
, Nicholas Zammit
Nicholas Zammit
Nicholas Zammit was a Maltese medical doctor, an architect, an artistic designer, and a major philosopher. His area of specialisation in philosophy was chiefly ethics. Throughout his philosophical career he did not adhere to just one intellectual position. Roughly two-thirds into his life, Zammit...
, George Caruana
George Caruana
George Caruana was a Maltese minor philosopher mostly interested in epistemology. He held the Chair of Philosophy at the University of Malta .-Life:...
, Dominic Pace
Dominic Pace
Dominic Pace was a Maltese theologian and minor philosopher. In philosophy he mostly specialised in Aristotelico-Thomist Scholasticism.-Life:...
, Aloisio Galea
Aloisio Galea
Aloisio Galea was a Maltese theologian and minor philosopher. He specialised mostly in moral philosophy.-Life:Galea was born in Valletta in 1851. He studied at the bishop’s seminary and at the University of Malta. He was ordained a priest in 1874...
, Raphael Debono
Raphael Debono
Raphael Debono was a Maltese minor philosopher. In philosophy he mostly specialised in logic. No portrait of him is known to exist.-Life:...
, Francis Bonnici
Francis Bonnici
Francis Bonnici was a Maltese educationist, philanthropist and a minor philosopher. In philosophy he mostly specialised in pedagogy.-Life:...
, Peter Paul Borg
Peter Paul Borg
Peter Paul Borg was a Maltese theologian, canonist and minor philosopher. He was mostly interested in the philosophy of law. Unfortunately, no portrait of him has been identified up till now.-Life:...
, Louis Farrugia
Louis Farrugia
Louis Farrugia was a Maltese theologian and minor philosopher. In philosophy he was mostly interested in Scholasticism and literature. No portrait of him has been identified up till now.-Life:...
, John Caruana
John Caruana
John Caruana was a Maltese lawyer and minor philosopher. He was mostly interested in the philosophy of law and in political economy. No portrait of him has been identified as yet.-Life:...
, John Formosa
John Formosa
John Formosa was a Maltese theologian, canonist, minor philosopher, and poet. In philosophy he mostly specialised in metaphysics.-Life:...
, Anastasio Cuschieri
Anastasio Cuschieri
Anastastio Cuschieri was a Maltese poet, politician, and minor philosopher. He held the Chair of Philosophy at the University of Malta . In philosophy he was mostly interested in ethics.-Beginnings:...
, Daniel Callus
Daniel Callus
Daniel Callus was a Maltese historian and minor philosopher. His main interest was in the history of Medieval philosophy.-Beginnings:Callus was born at Daniel Callus was a Maltese [[historian]] and minor [[philosopher]]...
, Albert Busuttil
Albert Busuttil
Albert Busuttil was a Maltese minor philosopher. In philosophy he was mostly interested in politics and labour rights.-Life:Busuttil was born at Sliema, Malta in 1891. He studied at the Lyceum and at the University of Malta, and later joined the Jesuits...
, Joseph Sapiano
Joseph Sapiano
Joseph Sapiano was a Maltese theologian and minor philosopher. In philosophy he was mostly interested in epistemology. He held the Chair of Philosophy at the University of Malta between 1953 and 1971.-Life:...
, Angelo Pirotta
Angelo Pirotta
Angelo Pirotta, O.P. was a major Maltese philosopher. His areas of specialisation in philosophy were chiefly epistemology and metaphysics.-The Early Years:Pirotta was born at Naxxar, Malta, on December 27, 1894...
, and Nazzareno Camilleri
Nazzareno Camilleri
Nazzareno Camilleri was a Maltese philosopher, theologian, and mystic. His areas of specialisation in philosophy were chiefly metaphysics and pedagogy.-Beginnings:...
.
Most of these, if not all, adhered to Scholasticism
Scholasticism
Scholasticism is a method of critical thought which dominated teaching by the academics of medieval universities in Europe from about 1100–1500, and a program of employing that method in articulating and defending orthodoxy in an increasingly pluralistic context...
of the Aristotelic-Thomist hue, even if circumstances, along two centuries and a half of British rule, changed drastically. Of course, not all of these philosophers were of the same calibre. Some of them, such as Jerome Inglott
Jerome Inglott
Jerome Inglott was a minor Maltese philosopher and theologian. His areas of specialisation in philosophy were chiefly metaphysics and ontology...
, Nicholas Zammit
Nicholas Zammit
Nicholas Zammit was a Maltese medical doctor, an architect, an artistic designer, and a major philosopher. His area of specialisation in philosophy was chiefly ethics. Throughout his philosophical career he did not adhere to just one intellectual position. Roughly two-thirds into his life, Zammit...
, Angelo Pirotta
Angelo Pirotta
Angelo Pirotta, O.P. was a major Maltese philosopher. His areas of specialisation in philosophy were chiefly epistemology and metaphysics.-The Early Years:Pirotta was born at Naxxar, Malta, on December 27, 1894...
, and Nazzareno Camilleri
Nazzareno Camilleri
Nazzareno Camilleri was a Maltese philosopher, theologian, and mystic. His areas of specialisation in philosophy were chiefly metaphysics and pedagogy.-Beginnings:...
, indeed had a much more superior calibre than the rest.
During this period, an outstanding exception to all of these philosophers was Manuel Dimech, who lived and worked during the first decade of the 20th century. He not only did not adhere to any form of Scholasticism
Scholasticism
Scholasticism is a method of critical thought which dominated teaching by the academics of medieval universities in Europe from about 1100–1500, and a program of employing that method in articulating and defending orthodoxy in an increasingly pluralistic context...
but furthermore was a surprisingly innovative and original philosopher and social reformer.
Independence Period (1964-2004)
MaltaMalta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
was granted independence by the British mainly because it had become a liability to them in the context of post-WWII technological advancements. With matters in their hands, the Maltese sought to make a success story out of their independence, including in the cultural and educational fields.
Up till this time Scholasticism had waned and faded away. Very few continued to adhere to some of its tenets. One might mention here Giuseppe Mifsud Bonnici
Giuseppe Mifsud Bonnici
Giuseppe Mifsud Bonnici is a Maltese retired Chief Justice, and minor philosopher. He mostly specialised in the philosophy of law.-Life:...
, and Emmanuel Agius
Emmanuel Agius
Emmanuel Agius is a Maltese minor philosopher mostly specialised and interested in ethics.-Life:Agius was born at Mqabba, Malta, in 1954. He studied at the University of Malta from where he acquired a Bachelor’s degree and a Licentiate in Theology...
.
Most of the other philosophers became somewhat more adventurous, exploring spheres which were to some extent inaccessible during the British (and much less the Knights Hospitallers’) period. We might include here philosophers such as Peter Serracino Inglott
Peter Serracino Inglott
Peter Serracino Inglott is Emeritus Professor of philosophy at and former rector of the University of Malta...
, Kenneth Wain
Kenneth Wain
Kenneth Wain is a major Maltese philosopher and educator. His areas of specialisation in philosophy are chiefly education, ethics, political philosophy.-Beginnings:...
, Joe Friggieri
Joe Friggieri
Joe Friggieri is professor of philosophy at the University of Malta – the first not be a Catholic priest – succeeding Peter Serracino Inglott in 1996 upon the latter’s retirement. He holds degrees from the universities of Milan and Oxford. He has written two books on J.L. Austin and a history of...
, Oliver Friggieri
Oliver Friggieri
Oliver Friggieri is a Maltese poet, novelist, literary critic, and minor philosopher. In philosophy he is mostly interested in epistemology and Existentialism.-Life:...
, Vince Riolo
Vince Riolo
Vince Riolo is a Maltese minor philosopher mostly interested and specialised in logic and the philosophy of language.-Life:Riolo was born at Mosta, Malta, in 1947. He studied philosophy at the University of Malta and the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Bavaria, Germany. He teaches logic at...
, Sandra Dingli
Sandra Dingli
Sandra Dingli is a Maltese minor philosopher mostly specialised in Creative Thinking.-Life:Dingli was born at Paceville, Malta, in 1952. Her circumstances as a woman in a patriarchal society did not permit to start higher studies if not relatively late in life...
, Mario Vella
Mario Vella
Mario Vella is a major Maltese philosopher, economist and political theorist. His area of specialisation in philosophy is chiefly critical analysis.-Beginnings:...
, Joseph Giordmaina, Michael Zammit, and others. In terms of the development of doing philosophy in Malta, Peter Serracino Inglott
Peter Serracino Inglott
Peter Serracino Inglott is Emeritus Professor of philosophy at and former rector of the University of Malta...
stands out as all-important, especially from the 1970s onwards.
Some other Maltese philosophers worked abroad. Though they retained their contact with Malta, they of course had a different frame of mind. One might include here John Micallef
John Micallef
John Micallef was a Maltese minor philosopher. In philosophy he was mostly interested in Existentialism.-Life:Micallef was born in Victoria, Gozo in 1923. After completing his studies at the Lyceum in Malta, he continued studying at the Gregorian University of Rome. From here he acquired a Masters...
, Edward De Bono
Edward de Bono
Edward de Bono is a physician, author, inventor, and consultant. He originated the term lateral thinking, wrote a best selling book Six Thinking Hats and is a proponent of the deliberate teaching of thinking as a subject in schools.- Biography :Edward Charles Francis Publius de Bono was born to...
, and John Peter Portelli
John Peter Portelli
John Peter Portelli is a Maltese educationist, and a minor philosopher. In philosophy he mostly specialised in the Philosophy of Education with interests in Political Theory.-Life:...
.
European Union Period (2004-Present)
MaltaMalta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
joined the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
in 2004, and this might have ushered in new trends in philosophical circles. Though it might be too early to say such a thing, however, accession to the European block certainly can be considered to be a new phase in Maltese history, not only in economic terms but also in terms of cultural opportunities.
It might well be that philosophy is not the least to make some interesting advances. At present, on the ball one might encounter relatively young philosophers such as Claude Mangion, Mark Montebello, Clive Zammit, Mark Sultana, and Michael Grech. Some other names are slowly coming into focus, and perhaps will do so in a few years, names such as those of Mary Anne Cassar, Emmanuel Cefai, Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci, Mark Debono, Christopher Caruana, and Jean-Paul De Lucca.
Chair of Philosophy
The following is the list of professors who held the Chair of Philosophy at the University of MaltaUniversity of Malta
The University of Malta is the highest educational institution in Malta Europe and is one of the most respected universities in Europe. The University offers undergraduate Bachelor's Degrees, postgraduate Master's Degrees and postgraduate Doctorates .-History:The University of Malta was founded in...
, Malta
Malta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
’s highest academic philosophy institution. The dates refer to their period of tenure. The chair of philosophy was established in 1771 by the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitallers, Manuel Pinto da Fonseca, when he transformed the Collegium Melitense (Maltese College) of the Jesuits into the University of Malta
University of Malta
The University of Malta is the highest educational institution in Malta Europe and is one of the most respected universities in Europe. The University offers undergraduate Bachelor's Degrees, postgraduate Master's Degrees and postgraduate Doctorates .-History:The University of Malta was founded in...
.
| 1. | Joseph Moncada | 1771-73 |
| 2. | Joseph Xerri Joseph Xerri Joseph Xerri was a Maltese theologian and minor philosopher. Almost nothing is known about the personal life of Xerri. He might have been a priest. In 1773, Xerri was appointed to the Chair of Philosophy at the University of Malta, the second since its establishment two years earlier, in 1771, by... |
1773 |
| Between 1773 and 1778, the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitallers, Francisco Ximenes de Texada Francisco Ximenes de Texada Francisco Ximenes de Texada was the 69th Prince and Grand Master of the Order of Malta from 1773 to 1775. He was regarded by many as highly unpopular and his reign was marked by a revolt of the priests.-External links:* *... , brought the activities of the university to a complete stop. |
||
| 3. | Dominic Malarbi | 1778-79 |
| 4. | Joseph Moncada | 1780-86 |
| 5. | Michael Xerri | 1786-98 |
| Between 1798 and 1800, Napoleon Bonaparte suspended the chair. | ||
| 6. | Saviour Montebello | 1800-04 |
| 7. | Peter Mallia | 1804-22 |
| 8. | Jerome Inglott Jerome Inglott Jerome Inglott was a minor Maltese philosopher and theologian. His areas of specialisation in philosophy were chiefly metaphysics and ontology... |
1822-27 |
| 9. | Karl Cicognani Cappelli | 1827-29 |
| 10. | Joseph Fenech | 1829-43 |
| 11. | Vincent Paul Galea | 1843-59 |
| 12. | George Caruana George Caruana George Caruana was a Maltese minor philosopher mostly interested in epistemology. He held the Chair of Philosophy at the University of Malta .-Life:... |
1859-72 |
| 13. | Nicholas Crescimanno | 1872-76 |
| 14. | Nicholas Zammit Nicholas Zammit Nicholas Zammit was a Maltese medical doctor, an architect, an artistic designer, and a major philosopher. His area of specialisation in philosophy was chiefly ethics. Throughout his philosophical career he did not adhere to just one intellectual position. Roughly two-thirds into his life, Zammit... |
1876-90 |
| 15. | Francis Bonnici Francis Bonnici Francis Bonnici was a Maltese educationist, philanthropist and a minor philosopher. In philosophy he mostly specialised in pedagogy.-Life:... |
1890-1900 |
| 16. | Anastasio Cuschieri Anastasio Cuschieri Anastastio Cuschieri was a Maltese poet, politician, and minor philosopher. He held the Chair of Philosophy at the University of Malta . In philosophy he was mostly interested in ethics.-Beginnings:... |
1901-39 |
| 17. | Saviour Grima | 1939-49 |
| Joseph Sapiano Joseph Sapiano Joseph Sapiano was a Maltese theologian and minor philosopher. In philosophy he was mostly interested in epistemology. He held the Chair of Philosophy at the University of Malta between 1953 and 1971.-Life:... (acting) |
1950-51 | |
| Joseph Lupi (acting) | 1951-53 | |
| 18. | Joseph Sapiano Joseph Sapiano Joseph Sapiano was a Maltese theologian and minor philosopher. In philosophy he was mostly interested in epistemology. He held the Chair of Philosophy at the University of Malta between 1953 and 1971.-Life:... |
1953-71 |
| 19. | Peter Serracino Inglott Peter Serracino Inglott Peter Serracino Inglott is Emeritus Professor of philosophy at and former rector of the University of Malta... |
1971-78 |
| Between 1978 and 1987, Dom Mintoff Dom Mintoff Dom Mintoff is a Maltese politician, journalist and architect, who served as leader of the Labour Party from 1949 to 1984, Prime Minister of Malta from 1955 to 1958 and again, post-Independence, from 1971 to... suspended the chair. |
||
| 20. | Peter Serracino Inglott Peter Serracino Inglott Peter Serracino Inglott is Emeritus Professor of philosophy at and former rector of the University of Malta... |
1987-96 |
| 21. | Joe Friggieri Joe Friggieri Joe Friggieri is professor of philosophy at the University of Malta – the first not be a Catholic priest – succeeding Peter Serracino Inglott in 1996 upon the latter’s retirement. He holds degrees from the universities of Milan and Oxford. He has written two books on J.L. Austin and a history of... |
1996- |
Research
During the last twenty years or so there has been an effort to aptly recognise and duly honour the modest share of philosophy in MaltaMalta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
without succumbing to conceit or pomp. The necessity arose for two main reasons. One, because the Maltese themselves, mostly due to a dearth of required research, did not acknowledge, much less appreciate, any local philosophical tradition; and, secondly, because any activity that was being carried out in the philosophical field—whether it was teaching, writing or simply discussing—was done as if the Maltese
Maltese people
The Maltese are an ethnic group indigenous to the Southern European nation of Malta, and identified with the Maltese language. Malta is an island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea...
themselves had, at most, a present without a past. Plato
Plato
Plato , was a Classical Greek philosopher, mathematician, student of Socrates, writer of philosophical dialogues, and founder of the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. Along with his mentor, Socrates, and his student, Aristotle, Plato helped to lay the...
, Kant
KANT
KANT is a computer algebra system for mathematicians interested in algebraic number theory, performing sophisticated computations in algebraic number fields, in global function fields, and in local fields. KASH is the associated command line interface...
, Paulo Freire
Paulo Freire
Paulo Reglus Neves Freire was a Brazilian educator and influential theorist of critical pedagogy.-Biography:...
, Wittgenstein, Jürgen Habermas
Jürgen Habermas
Jürgen Habermas is a German sociologist and philosopher in the tradition of critical theory and pragmatism. He is perhaps best known for his theory on the concepts of 'communicative rationality' and the 'public sphere'...
and the whole pantheon of European and American philosophers were thrown about chapter and verse; but not one single local name ever surfaced.
So what was done was start to dig deep into the dusty archives. In due course names and manuscripts and personalities began to emerge, enough to make one’s head spin. Next, some text-books were published; first, in 1995, a small book called Stedina ghall-Filosofija Maltija (An Invitation to Philosophy in Malta) to whet the appetite; then, six years later, in 2001, a two-volume encyclopaedia of philosophy in Malta
Malta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
called Il-Ktieb tal-Filosofija f’Malta (A Source Book of Philosophy in Malta). Both were written in Maltese, both compiled by Mark Montebello, and both attracted considerable interest. The second one was more comprehensive and perceptive. It provided biblio-biographical information about all the known Maltese philosophers; a minute description of all known philosophical writings composed by Maltese philosophers (most of them still in hitherto unpublished manuscript form, generally written in Latin, Sicilian or English); and all the philosophical schools or societies that had existed in Malta
Malta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
throughout the centuries. Unfortunately, so far no such publication exists for English-speakers.
Latest Publications
Two publications stand out as recent and updated general introductions to philosophy in MaltaMalta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
. These also include significant information on particular Maltese philosophers. Happily, both books are in English. Both are by Mark Montebello.
The first, 20th Century Philosophy in Malta, was issued in 2009 (Agius & Agius Publications). It is a text-book which presents the work of select Maltese philosophers as responses or, at least, against the background of Europe's (and, especially, Malta
Malta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
's) social, political and intellectual 20th century history. The main idea of this publication is to give students of philosophy in Malta
Malta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
a practical tool for their studies and possibly their philosophical work.
The second book, Malta's Philosophy & Philosophers (PIN Publications) will be launched in the aftermath of the '2011 Malta Book Fair' which will be held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta, on 9-13 November, 2011. The book is an illustrated guide through centuries of philosophical activity in the Maltese islands. It is designed for a foreign as well as a Maltese readership.
Revitalisation
The first publications on philosophy in Malta started the ball rolling. Subsequently, courses were read at the University of MaltaUniversity of Malta
The University of Malta is the highest educational institution in Malta Europe and is one of the most respected universities in Europe. The University offers undergraduate Bachelor's Degrees, postgraduate Master's Degrees and postgraduate Doctorates .-History:The University of Malta was founded in...
and at other institutions of higher education, a first public conference on ‘Maltese’ philosophy was organised, articles were written, monographs published, first-grade dissertations undertaken, and so forth. All along one main idea has always been consistent: to instil in the young and upcoming Maltese philosopher a sense of local connection, pride and gratitude. This work is part of a continuum.
Appreciation
Since the 16th century16th century
As a means of recording the passage of time, the 16th century lasted from 1501 to 1600. It is regarded by historians as the century in which the rise of the West occurred....
, philosophy has contributed to the academic and, sometimes, the intellectual and cultural life of Maltese intelligentsia. In most cases it functioned as a tool of the establishment—including the Catholic Church—to conserve and perpetuate orthodox and official doctrines. In other cases it offered alternative and imaginative routes of thinking. Despite its relatively long philosophical tradition, however, Malta has no particular philosophy associated to its name. Though sometimes innovative and creative, in their large majority Maltese philosophers have always worked with imported ideas and, but for very rare cases (like in the case of Manuel Dimech), seldom did break new ground in the philosophical field. Although the philosophy of many of them did not affect social or political life, some interacted lively with current affairs, and sometimes even stimulated societal change. Throughout the ages, Maltese philosophers did not adhere to just one philosophical tradition. The larger part pertains to the Aristotelico-Thomistic school. Every now and then, however, other trends appear along the way, especially during the last quarter of the 20th century
20th century
Many people define the 20th century as running from January 1, 1901 to December 31, 2000, others would rather define it as beginning on January 1, 1900....
, such as humanism, empiricism, pragmatism, existentialism, linguistic analysis and some others. But for unique, rather than rare, exceptions, theism has been a constant trait throughout the whole Maltese philosophical tradition.
During the last thirty years or so philosophy in Malta took an unprecedented twist. Peter Serracino Inglott
Peter Serracino Inglott
Peter Serracino Inglott is Emeritus Professor of philosophy at and former rector of the University of Malta...
gave it an extraordinary new breath of life by widening its horizon, diversifying its interests and firmly propelling it into social and political action. This style was taken up by others, and today philosophers like Kenneth Wain
Kenneth Wain
Kenneth Wain is a major Maltese philosopher and educator. His areas of specialisation in philosophy are chiefly education, ethics, political philosophy.-Beginnings:...
, Joe Friggieri
Joe Friggieri
Joe Friggieri is professor of philosophy at the University of Malta – the first not be a Catholic priest – succeeding Peter Serracino Inglott in 1996 upon the latter’s retirement. He holds degrees from the universities of Milan and Oxford. He has written two books on J.L. Austin and a history of...
and Mario Vella
Mario Vella
Mario Vella is a major Maltese philosopher, economist and political theorist. His area of specialisation in philosophy is chiefly critical analysis.-Beginnings:...
continue this trend.
Some Maltese Philosophers
The classification of philosophers in major and minor is gauged on the basis of their particular historical influence, both during their lifetime and posthumously. The assessment is done by an evaluation to their written philosophical works in terms of creativity, style, and of course content. Further, historical influence is also appraised according to the impact, in part or in whole, that each philosopher had or has within the framework of the philosophical tradition in the Maltese Islands.17th century
- Major
- John Matthew RispoliJohn Matthew RispoliJohn Matthew Rispoli was a major Maltese philosopher of great erudition. He was held in high esteem by the Grand Masters of the Knights Hospitaller Order, the Bishops of Malta, the Viceroys of Sicily, cardinals, bishops, inquisitors, and the common people...
(1582-1639) - Jerome LeocataJerome LeocataJerome Leocata was a major Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in metaphysics. His long academic career in philosophy and theology was very hampered by his many administrative commitments. His writings, however, bear witness to his thinking skills and his philosophical prowess...
(d. 1745)
- John Matthew Rispoli
- Minor
- Dominic BorgDominic BorgDominic Borg was a minor Maltese philosopher who specialised in logic and rhetoric.-Life:Little is known about the private life of Dominic Borg. Neither his dates of birth and death nor his birth place in Malta are identified as yet. He probably lectured at the Collegium Melitense in Valletta...
(fl. 1669) - Thomas CauchiThomas CauchiThomas Cauchi was a minor Maltese philosopher who specialised in law.-Life:Little is known about the private life of Thomas Cauchi. Neither his dates of birth and death nor his birth place in Malta are identified as yet. He might have lectured at the Collegium Melitense see in Valletta. He surely...
(fl. 1669) - Saverius PaceSaverius PaceSaverius Pace was a minor Maltese philosopher who specialised in physics.-Life:Little is known about the private life of Saverius Pace. Neither his dates of birth and death nor his birth place in Malta are identified as yet. He might have lectured at the Collegium Melitense see in Valletta....
(fl. 1649) - Francis Dominic BenciniFrancis Dominic BenciniFrancis Dominic Bencini was a minor Maltese philosopher who specialised in apologetics.-Life:Benici began his studies in Malta, and went on to become a diocesan priest. He then studied theology in Rome, from where he obtained his graduate colours.Thereafter, he immediately began teaching dogmatic...
(1664-1744) - Maximilian BalzanMaximilian BalzanMaximilian Balzan was a minor Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in physics and art. He was also an accomplished theologian...
(1637-1711)
- Dominic Borg
18th century
- Major
- Constance VellaConstance VellaConstance Vella was a major Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in physics, logic, cosmology, and metaphysics. Vella’s speciality is that, despite being a Scholastic, he was not an Aristotelic-Thomist one , but rather an Aristotelic-Scotist philosopher, that is more in the line of...
(1687-1759) - John Constance ParnisJohn Constance ParnisJohn Constance Parnis was a major Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in metaphysics, physics, and logic.-Life:Parnis was born at Mdina, Malta, in 1695. He began studying philosophy before he joined the Franciscans...
(1695-1735) - Joseph DemarcoJoseph DemarcoJoseph Demarco was a Maltese medical practitioner, a scientist, and a major philosopher. His areas of specialisation in philosophy were mostly philosophical psychology and physiology....
(1723-1789) - Saviour BernardSaviour BernardSaviour Bernard was a Maltese medical practitioner, a scientist, and a major philosopher. His areas of specialisation in philosophy were mostly philosophical psychology and physiology. Unfortunately, no portrait of Bernard has been located as yet....
(1724-1806) - John Nicholas MuscatJohn Nicholas MuscatJohn Nicholas Muscat was a Maltese doctor of law, and a major philosopher. His area of specialisation in philosophy was chiefly jurisprudence.-Beginnings:...
(1735-c. 1800) - Michael Anthony Vassalli (1764-1829)
- Constance Vella
- Minor
- Henry RegnandHenry RegnandHenry Regnand was a minor Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in logic and metaphysics.-Life:Unfortunately, little is known as yet about the private life of Regnand. He probably was a Dominican friar, but this is still unconfirmed sufficiently by documentary evidence. As an...
(fl. 1706) - George SagnaniGeorge SagnaniGeorge Sagnani was a minor Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in ethics and morals.-Life:Unfortunately, little is known as yet about the private life of Sagnani. He literally spend his entire adult life in Valletta at the Collegium Melitense, the old University of Malta...
(1667-1732) - Rosarius Mary HagiusRosarius Mary HagiusRosarius Mary Hagius was a minor Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in metaphysics.-Life:Little is known as yet about the private life of Hagius. This is unfortunate because, from his extant works, it can clearly be seen that he possessed a superior mind, and quite dexterous in...
(1673-1757) - Henry ErcoleHenry ErcoleHenry Ercole was a minor Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in ethics and logic. He enjoyed great esteem from his contemporaries, both as an administrator and a philosopher.-Life:...
(d. 1764) - Gasper GrimaGasper GrimaGasper Grima was a minor Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in metaphysics and logic.-Life:Grima was born at Mdina, Malta, around 1680. He joined the Franciscan friars towards the end of the 1690s, and studied philosophy and theology with the Franciscans at Val di Noto, Sicily...
(1680-1745) - Stefano PaceStefano PaceStefano Pace was a minor Maltese mediaeval philosopher who specialised mainly in physics.-Life:Unfortunately, very little is known about the private life of Pace. It seems that, in his youth, he might have been a student at the Studium Generale of the Dominicans at Valletta, Malta. It seems he...
(fl. 1729) - Justus AzzopardiJustus AzzopardiJustus Azzopardi was a minor Maltese philosopher. His area of specialisation in philosophy was chiefly metaphysics. No portrait of him is known to exist as yet.-Life:Little is known of Azzopardi’s personal life...
(fl. 1762) - Gaetanus Matthew PerezGaetanus Matthew PerezGaetanus Matthew Perez was a minor Maltese philosopher. His area of specialisation in philosophy was chiefly ethics. No portrait of Perez is known to exist so far.-Work:...
(fl. 1776) - Francis Saviour FarrugiaFrancis Saviour FarrugiaFrancis Saviour Farrugia was a minor Maltese philosopher, doctor of law, and legislator. He specialised in jurisprudence .-Life:...
(fl. 1778) - Joseph RizzoJoseph RizzoJoseph Rizzo was a minor Maltese philosopher and theologian who probably specialised in logic.-Life:Rizzo was a diocesan priest. He studied theology, and was a professor of philosophy. He taught philosophy in Malta at least between 1781-82...
(fl. 1781)
- Henry Regnand
19th century
- Major
- Nicholas ZammitNicholas ZammitNicholas Zammit was a Maltese medical doctor, an architect, an artistic designer, and a major philosopher. His area of specialisation in philosophy was chiefly ethics. Throughout his philosophical career he did not adhere to just one intellectual position. Roughly two-thirds into his life, Zammit...
(1815-1899 )
- Nicholas Zammit
- Minor
- Fortunatus Victor CostaFortunatus Victor CostaFortunatus Victor Costa was a minor Maltese philosopher who specialised in metaphysics.-Life:Almost nothing is known as yet about the personal life of Costa. Only that he hailed from Senglea, Malta, and that in 1806 he was a religious cleric...
(fl. 1806) - Dominic BezzinaDominic BezzinaDominic Bezzina was a minor Maltese philosopher who mainly specialised in physics. He also dealt with logic.-Life:It seems that Bezzina was born around the mid-18th century. After becoming a priest, he taught philosophy and science at the Cathedral School at Mdina, Malta. He was also a Canon at...
(fl. 1823) - Jerome InglottJerome InglottJerome Inglott was a minor Maltese philosopher and theologian. His areas of specialisation in philosophy were chiefly metaphysics and ontology...
(1776-1835) - Saviour CumboSaviour CumboSaviour Cumbo was a Maltese theologian and minor philosopher. His philosophical writings deal mainly with the relationship between reason and faith. Though his engagement with philosophical reflection was peripheral, his contribution in this field was at least interesting and at most insightful...
(1810-1877) - S. DebonoS. DebonoS. Debono was a Maltese scientist, linguist and minor philosopher. In philosophy he mostly specialised in ontology. Unfortunately, his exact Christian name is unknown. Neither do we possess as yet a portrait of him.-Life:...
(fl. 1845) - George CaruanaGeorge CaruanaGeorge Caruana was a Maltese minor philosopher mostly interested in epistemology. He held the Chair of Philosophy at the University of Malta .-Life:...
(1831-1872) - Dominic PaceDominic PaceDominic Pace was a Maltese theologian and minor philosopher. In philosophy he mostly specialised in Aristotelico-Thomist Scholasticism.-Life:...
(1851-1907) - Aloisio GaleaAloisio GaleaAloisio Galea was a Maltese theologian and minor philosopher. He specialised mostly in moral philosophy.-Life:Galea was born in Valletta in 1851. He studied at the bishop’s seminary and at the University of Malta. He was ordained a priest in 1874...
(1851-1905) - Raphael DebonoRaphael DebonoRaphael Debono was a Maltese minor philosopher. In philosophy he mostly specialised in logic. No portrait of him is known to exist.-Life:...
(fl. 1884) - Francis BonniciFrancis BonniciFrancis Bonnici was a Maltese educationist, philanthropist and a minor philosopher. In philosophy he mostly specialised in pedagogy.-Life:...
(1853-1905)
- Fortunatus Victor Costa
20th century
- Former part
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- Major
- Manuel Dimech (1860-1921)
- Angelo PirottaAngelo PirottaAngelo Pirotta, O.P. was a major Maltese philosopher. His areas of specialisation in philosophy were chiefly epistemology and metaphysics.-The Early Years:Pirotta was born at Naxxar, Malta, on December 27, 1894...
(1894-1956) - Nazzareno CamilleriNazzareno CamilleriNazzareno Camilleri was a Maltese philosopher, theologian, and mystic. His areas of specialisation in philosophy were chiefly metaphysics and pedagogy.-Beginnings:...
(1906-1973)
- Major
-
- Minor
- Peter Paul BorgPeter Paul BorgPeter Paul Borg was a Maltese theologian, canonist and minor philosopher. He was mostly interested in the philosophy of law. Unfortunately, no portrait of him has been identified up till now.-Life:...
(1843-1934) - Louis FarrugiaLouis FarrugiaLouis Farrugia was a Maltese theologian and minor philosopher. In philosophy he was mostly interested in Scholasticism and literature. No portrait of him has been identified up till now.-Life:...
(1857-1933) - John CaruanaJohn CaruanaJohn Caruana was a Maltese lawyer and minor philosopher. He was mostly interested in the philosophy of law and in political economy. No portrait of him has been identified as yet.-Life:...
(1866-1923) - John FormosaJohn FormosaJohn Formosa was a Maltese theologian, canonist, minor philosopher, and poet. In philosophy he mostly specialised in metaphysics.-Life:...
(1869-1941) - Anastasio CuschieriAnastasio CuschieriAnastastio Cuschieri was a Maltese poet, politician, and minor philosopher. He held the Chair of Philosophy at the University of Malta . In philosophy he was mostly interested in ethics.-Beginnings:...
(1872-1962) - Daniel CallusDaniel CallusDaniel Callus was a Maltese historian and minor philosopher. His main interest was in the history of Medieval philosophy.-Beginnings:Callus was born at Daniel Callus was a Maltese [[historian]] and minor [[philosopher]]...
(1888-1965) - Albert BusuttilAlbert BusuttilAlbert Busuttil was a Maltese minor philosopher. In philosophy he was mostly interested in politics and labour rights.-Life:Busuttil was born at Sliema, Malta in 1891. He studied at the Lyceum and at the University of Malta, and later joined the Jesuits...
(1891-1956) - Joseph SapianoJoseph SapianoJoseph Sapiano was a Maltese theologian and minor philosopher. In philosophy he was mostly interested in epistemology. He held the Chair of Philosophy at the University of Malta between 1953 and 1971.-Life:...
(1911-1985) - John MicallefJohn MicallefJohn Micallef was a Maltese minor philosopher. In philosophy he was mostly interested in Existentialism.-Life:Micallef was born in Victoria, Gozo in 1923. After completing his studies at the Lyceum in Malta, he continued studying at the Gregorian University of Rome. From here he acquired a Masters...
(1923-2003)
- Peter Paul Borg
- Minor
- Latter part
-
- Major
- Edward De BonoEdward de BonoEdward de Bono is a physician, author, inventor, and consultant. He originated the term lateral thinking, wrote a best selling book Six Thinking Hats and is a proponent of the deliberate teaching of thinking as a subject in schools.- Biography :Edward Charles Francis Publius de Bono was born to...
(b. 1933) - Peter Serracino InglottPeter Serracino InglottPeter Serracino Inglott is Emeritus Professor of philosophy at and former rector of the University of Malta...
(b. 1936) - Kenneth WainKenneth WainKenneth Wain is a major Maltese philosopher and educator. His areas of specialisation in philosophy are chiefly education, ethics, political philosophy.-Beginnings:...
(b. 1943) - Mario VellaMario VellaMario Vella is a major Maltese philosopher, economist and political theorist. His area of specialisation in philosophy is chiefly critical analysis.-Beginnings:...
(b. 1953)
- Edward De Bono
- Major
-
- Minor
- Giuseppe Mifsud BonniciGiuseppe Mifsud BonniciGiuseppe Mifsud Bonnici is a Maltese retired Chief Justice, and minor philosopher. He mostly specialised in the philosophy of law.-Life:...
(b. 1930) - Salvino BusuttilSalvino BusuttilSalvino Busuttil is a Maltese economist, and minor philosopher. In philosophy he mostly specialised in economics and international relations.-Life:...
(b. 1936) - Joseph CamilleriJoseph CamilleriJoseph Camilleri is an Australian citizen of Maltese descent. He is a social scientist, and a minor philosopher. In philosophy he mostly specialised and interested in international relations.-Life:...
(b. 1944) - Joe FriggieriJoe FriggieriJoe Friggieri is professor of philosophy at the University of Malta – the first not be a Catholic priest – succeeding Peter Serracino Inglott in 1996 upon the latter’s retirement. He holds degrees from the universities of Milan and Oxford. He has written two books on J.L. Austin and a history of...
(b. 1946) - Josephine Gatt CiancioJosephine Gatt CiancioJosephine Gatt Ciancio is a Maltese social scientist, and minor philosopher. In philosophy she is mostly interested in Possible-world theories.-Life:...
(b. 1946) - Oliver FriggieriOliver FriggieriOliver Friggieri is a Maltese poet, novelist, literary critic, and minor philosopher. In philosophy he is mostly interested in epistemology and Existentialism.-Life:...
(b. 1947) - Vince RioloVince RioloVince Riolo is a Maltese minor philosopher mostly interested and specialised in logic and the philosophy of language.-Life:Riolo was born at Mosta, Malta, in 1947. He studied philosophy at the University of Malta and the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Bavaria, Germany. He teaches logic at...
(b. 1947) - Sandra DingliSandra DingliSandra Dingli is a Maltese minor philosopher mostly specialised in Creative Thinking.-Life:Dingli was born at Paceville, Malta, in 1952. Her circumstances as a woman in a patriarchal society did not permit to start higher studies if not relatively late in life...
(b. 1952) - John Peter PortelliJohn Peter PortelliJohn Peter Portelli is a Maltese educationist, and a minor philosopher. In philosophy he mostly specialised in the Philosophy of Education with interests in Political Theory.-Life:...
(b. 1954) - Emmanuel AgiusEmmanuel AgiusEmmanuel Agius is a Maltese minor philosopher mostly specialised and interested in ethics.-Life:Agius was born at Mqabba, Malta, in 1954. He studied at the University of Malta from where he acquired a Bachelor’s degree and a Licentiate in Theology...
(b. 1954) - Anthony AbelaAnthony AbelaAnthony Abela was a Maltese sociologist and minor philosopher. He mostly specialised in social philosophy.-Life:Abela was for at Floriana, Malta, in 1954...
(1954-2006)
- Giuseppe Mifsud Bonnici
- Minor
21st century
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- Michael Zammit (b. 1954)
- Claude Mangion (b. 1961)
- Joseph Giordmaina (b. 1963)
- Mark Montebello (b. 1964)
- John Baldacchino (b. 1964)
- Clive Zammit (b. 1964)
- Mark Sultana (b. 1973)
- Michael Grech (b. 1975)
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Further studies
A course on philosophy in Malta, delivered in English by Mark Montebello, will be offered at the University of MaltaUniversity of Malta
The University of Malta is the highest educational institution in Malta Europe and is one of the most respected universities in Europe. The University offers undergraduate Bachelor's Degrees, postgraduate Master's Degrees and postgraduate Doctorates .-History:The University of Malta was founded in...
for students and the general public alike between February 17 and June 1, 2012. This will be every Friday between 2.00 pm and 3.00 pm. Attendance is free of charge.
The course has two main aims: to acquaint students with the history of philosophy in Malta and with most of its major contemporary representatives; and to give students some conceptual tools with which they can examine themselves, society and philosophical works. At the end of the course, participants should have a fair idea of the standing of philosophy in Malta, its merits and limitations, and the contribution it can continue to give to the Maltese people.
Main sources
- Stedina ghall-Filosofija Maltija (An Invitation to Philosophy in Malta), 1995, by Mark Montebello (PEG Publications, Malta).
- Il-Ktieb tal-Filosofija f’Malta (A Source Book of Philosophy in Malta), 2001, two volumes, by Mark Montebello (PIN Publications, Malta).
- 20th Century Philosophy in Malta, 2009, by Mark Montebello (Agius & Agius Publications, Malta).
- Malta's Philosophy & Philosophers, 2011, by Mark Montebello (PIN Publications, Malta).