Jaime Balmes

**Jaime Balmes** (1810–1848) was a Spanish Catholic priest, philosopher, and political writer known for his clear and accessible works on philosophy, religion, and society.

## Early life and education

Born in Vic, Catalonia, Spain, on August 28, 1810, Balmes began his studies at the local seminary in 1817, focusing on Latin grammar, rhetoric, and philosophy. In 1825, he received the tonsure and continued his theological studies at the University of Cervera. After the university's closure in 1830, he pursued private studies in Vic and earned his degree in theology in 1833. He was ordained a priest in 1834 and later obtained a Doctorate in Theology and a Bachelor's in Canon Law.

## Career and writings

Balmes initially attempted to teach at the University of Barcelona but was unsuccessful. In 1837, he was appointed Professor of Mathematics in Vic, a position he held for four years. His writing career flourished after moving to Barcelona in 1841, where he contributed to various newspapers and magazines, gaining widespread attention.

In 1844, he published "The True Idea of Value," addressing the paradox of value and introducing the concept of marginal utility. His most renowned work, "Protestantism and Catholicity Compared in their Effects on the Civilization of Europe," argues that Catholicism promotes order and unity, while Protestantism leads to individualism and societal fragmentation.

## Philosophical contributions

Balmes is often associated with "philosophy of common sense," but his ideas are more nuanced. He identified three types of truth:
- Subjective truths: Personal experiences, like feeling cold.
- Rational truths: Logical and mathematical truths.
- Objective truths: Observable facts, like the color of the sky.

He emphasized that metaphysics should be built upon all three, rather than relying solely on rationalism. Balmes also highlighted the importance of consciousness and common sense in understanding truth.

## Notable works

- _El Criterio_ (1845): A guide to sound reasoning and judgment.
- _Filosofía Fundamental_ (1846): A comprehensive work on philosophy.
- _Curso de Filosofía Elemental_ (1847): An introductory philosophy course.
- _Protestantism and Catholicity Compared in their Effects on the Civilization of Europe_ (1844): A comparative analysis of religious influences on European civilization.

## Death and legacy

Balmes died of tuberculosis on July 9, 1848, in his hometown of Vic. He is remembered for his efforts to reconcile faith and reason, and his works continue to influence Catholic thought and philosophy.

## Infobox (philosopher)

- **name**: Jaime Balmes
- **image**: Jaime Balmes (Real Academia de la Historia), cropped.jpg
- **birth name**: Jaime Luciano Antonio Balmes y Urpiá
- **birth date**: 28 August 1810
- **birth place**: Vic, Spain, Vic, Catalonia, Kingdom of Spain under Joseph Bonaparte, Spain
- **death place**: Vic, Catalonia, Spain
- **nationality**: Spanish
- **occupation**: Theologian, presbyter and writer
- **alma mater**: University of Cervera
- **burial place**: Vic Cathedral, Cathedral of St Peter of Vic
- **school tradition**: Catholic philosophy
* Thomism
- **region**: Western philosophy
* Spanish philosophy
- **era**: 19th-century philosophy