FILOSOFIJOS ATSIRADIMAS LIETUVOJE
THE RISE OF PHILOSOPHY IN LITHUANIA

Summary/Abstract: The first Lithuanians to be introduced to philosophy were young members of the gentry who studied in European universities at the end of the 14th century. The recently baptized Lithuania strove to adopt Western culture and to present itself as a Western state. At the end of the 14th century, Vilnius Cathedral School was founded. The elements of logic were probably taught there. The growth of the political and economic power of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania brought about the need for higher education. The need was significantly increased by the growing activity of various religious orders. In 1507, the Dominicans started teaching philosophy and theology to their novicies in Vilnius. They were able to teach late medieval philosophy in its thomistic interpretation. We can regard 1507 as the year Lithuania benefited from a new phenomenon, professional philosophy, and the Dominicans as its initiators. The Dominicans and later the Jesuits, Franciscans, Bernardines, Carmelites, Trinitarians and other monastic orders enriched intellectual life in Lithuania by teaching philosophy in their schools. The most important event in the development of philosophy in Lithuania was the foundation of Vilnius University in 1579. The disciplines usual to second level scholastics were taught in its philosophy department.

• Details
• Contents