About
Alain, pen name of Émile Chartier, was a French philosopher born in Mortagne-au-Perche in 1868. A philosophy graduate, he taught at the Lycée Henri-IV in Paris, influencing students such as Simone Weil and Raymond Aron. He volunteered as an artilleryman during World War I, writing major works in the trenches. Author of thousands of 'Propos', short essays on politics, education, and daily life, he advocated radical individualism and freedom of judgment. His major work, 'Mars ou la guerre jugée', condemns war. He received the Grand Prix National de Littérature in 1951.
* 1868-03-03 — † 1951-06-02
Major works
- Propos sur le bonheur (1925)essay
- Mars ou la guerre jugée (1921)essay
- Système des Beaux-Arts (1920)essay
- Éléments de philosophie (1916)essay
- Les Dieux (1934)essay
Key milestones
- 1892Passes the agrégation in philosophy after studies at the École Normale Supérieure.
- 1909Appointed professor of philosophy in khâgne at the Lycée Henri-IV in Paris.
- 1951First recipient of the Grand Prix National de Littérature.
Themes
Radical individualismFreedom of judgmentCritique of warEducationThought and refusal
Sources: britannica.com · nytimes.com