Nicholas Zammit
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Nicholas Zammit (1815–1899) was a Maltese medical doctor, an architect, an artistic designer, and a major philosopher. His area of specialisation in philosophy was chiefly
ethics Ethics is the philosophy, philosophical study of Morality, moral phenomena. Also called moral philosophy, it investigates Normativity, normative questions about what people ought to do or which behavior is morally right. Its main branches inclu ...
. Throughout his philosophical career he did not adhere to just one intellectual position. Roughly two-thirds into his life, Zammit passed from a liberal way of thinking to a conservative one. This does not mean that there are no carry-overs, developments, or continuations between the two phases, or that Zammit himself acknowledged such a division. Notwithstanding, the development suggests that an analysis of Zammit's works will reveal different attitudes, dispositions, emphasis, and conclusions of the two periods.


Life


Beginnings

Zammit was born at Siggiewi, Malta, on 29 November 1815, from John Nicholas Zammit and Vicenza née Vella. He seems to have hailed from a well-established family, for he was given a good education, superior to that of other children in those days. Later, Zammit entered the Royal University of Malta, at Valletta, to study medicine as a main subject. His subsidiary studies included Latin and Italian literature, philosophy, and architecture. All of these were subjects which Zammit continued to interest himself in throughout his life. An incident which occurred in 1835 suggests that, as a university student, he was somewhat rowdy. Together with some of his classmates, he behaved badly, showed disrespect to some of his professors, and went as far as disrupting a graduation ceremony. The naughty lads were taken before the university council for a ''de moribus'' (literally, concerning behaviour) hearing. The council decided to expel Zammit and two of his pals from the university. However, subsequently, the punishment was commuted to one year postponement of their final exams. This suspension was upheld during the years 1838–39. Zammit finished his university studies and won his colours as Doctor of Medicine in June 1839 at 23 years of age.


Liberal Phase (1838–1876)


First Writings

During the suspension year at the Royal University of Malta, Zammit might have composed and published a short tract entitled ''Pensieri Liberi di un Idiota sull'Interesse Mercantile'' ("Free Thoughts by an Idiot on the Interest in Merchandise"). During that same year (1838), up till around 1846, Zammit began contributing with some writings in Italian in ''Il Portafoglio Maltese'' (The Maltese Portfolio), a weekly paper issued by Paolo Sciortino. Six years later, in 1845, Zammit left his home-town, Siggiewi, and went to live at the capital city of
Malta Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is an island country in Southern Europe located in the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and North Africa. It consists of an archipelago south of Italy, east of Tunisia, and north of Libya. The two ...
,
Valletta Valletta ( ; , ) is the capital city of Malta and one of its 68 Local councils of Malta, council areas. Located between the Grand Harbour to the east and Marsamxett Harbour to the west, its population as of 2021 was 5,157. As Malta’s capital ...
, the political and social centre of the island. During that same year, he began to contribute some articles in ''L'Unione'' (The Union). This was a weekly paper issued by an Italian political refugee, Luigi Zuppetta, and edited by Enrico Naudi. The paper had been begun to be produced that same year (for the duration of just twelve months), and supported Maltese popular representation in government. The following year, in 1846, Zammit probably began contributing also in the other papers, such as ''Giahan'' (Jahan), a satirical weekly in Maltese edited by Richard Taylor. During that same year, Zammit himself began issuing successively a three papers in Italian. The first, the fortnightly ''Il Foglio del Popolo'' (The People's Sheet), was begun on 27 June 1846. The second, issued for the first time on 1 August 1846, was called ''La Rivista'' (The Magazine), and was published monthly. The third, which was issued every ten days, was entitled ''La Fiammetta'' (The Little Torch), and was published for the first time on 9 September 1946. Between 1848 and 1849, Zuppetta was also instrumental in issuing another weekly paper in Italian, ''Il Precursore'' (The Precursor), which was edited by Salvatore Cumbo, a Catholic priest. Zammit seems to have contributed some writings also to this paper. All of these works must be considered to be the first writings of Zammit's liberal intellectual phase.


Zammit's Liberalism

Zammit showed a favourable disposition towards his contemporary times and ideas. Nevertheless, not without reservation. For instance, in spite of his attachment to people like Zuppetta – who was a member of '' Young Italy '' and an acquaintance of
Giuseppe Mazzini Giuseppe Mazzini (, ; ; 22 June 1805 – 10 March 1872) was an Italian politician, journalist, and activist for the unification of Italy (Risorgimento) and spearhead of the Italian revolutionary movement. His efforts helped bring about the ...
– Zammit did not share these Italian refugees' anticlericalism. Nor did he think that any eventual opposition to the Church could help the Maltese cause to attain popular representation in government. Zammit was la liberal Catholic. Like so many of his contemporaries, in mid-1846, at the time of the ascension to the
Holy See The Holy See (, ; ), also called the See of Rome, the Petrine See or the Apostolic See, is the central governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City. It encompasses the office of the pope as the Bishops in the Catholic Church, bishop ...
of
Pope Pius IX Pope Pius IX (; born Giovanni Maria Battista Pietro Pellegrino Isidoro Mastai-Ferretti; 13 May 1792 – 7 February 1878) was head of the Catholic Church from 1846 to 1878. His reign of nearly 32 years is the longest verified of any pope in hist ...
, which was seen as a choice in favour of
liberalism Liberalism is a Political philosophy, political and moral philosophy based on the Individual rights, rights of the individual, liberty, consent of the governed, political equality, the right to private property, and equality before the law. ...
, Zammit was overjoyed. Initially the pope did not disappoint him. He granted a general political amnesty, began an administrative, legal and financial reform of the
Roman Curia The Roman Curia () comprises the administrative institutions of the Holy See and the central body through which the affairs of the Catholic Church are conducted. The Roman Curia is the institution of which the Roman Pontiff ordinarily makes use ...
, and relaxed Church censure. This looked promising enough. In 1848, the pope went as far as issuing a new constitution which took the unprecedented step of establishing a two-chamber parliament for the
papal states The Papal States ( ; ; ), officially the State of the Church, were a conglomeration of territories on the Italian peninsula under the direct sovereign rule of the pope from 756 to 1870. They were among the major states of Italy from the 8th c ...
. Lashing out at conservatives, Zammit proudly wore the pope's reforms like a feature in his cap. He mercilessly criticised the British colonial government in
Malta Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is an island country in Southern Europe located in the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and North Africa. It consists of an archipelago south of Italy, east of Tunisia, and north of Libya. The two ...
, and was all out in favour of
Italian unification The unification of Italy ( ), also known as the Risorgimento (; ), was the 19th century political and social movement that in 1861 ended in the annexation of various states of the Italian peninsula and its outlying isles to the Kingdom of ...
(as the pope himself had been at the time). Zammit had no two minds that
liberalism Liberalism is a Political philosophy, political and moral philosophy based on the Individual rights, rights of the individual, liberty, consent of the governed, political equality, the right to private property, and equality before the law. ...
was 'the principle by which every free society should breath'. With the
1848 revolutions The revolutions of 1848, known in some countries as the springtime of the peoples or the springtime of nations, were a series of revolutions throughout Europe over the course of more than one year, from 1848 to 1849. It remains the most widespre ...
throughout Europe,
Pope Pius IX Pope Pius IX (; born Giovanni Maria Battista Pietro Pellegrino Isidoro Mastai-Ferretti; 13 May 1792 – 7 February 1878) was head of the Catholic Church from 1846 to 1878. His reign of nearly 32 years is the longest verified of any pope in hist ...
suddenly made a volte-face, vehemently opposing the Italian cause, and retracting most of the steps he had taken during the previous two years. Such a turnaround left people like Zammit in the cold. However, he still retained a strong belief in the ''
Idea of Progress Progress is movement towards a perceived refined, improved, or otherwise desired state. It is central to the philosophy of progressivism, which interprets progress as the set of advancements in technology, science, and social organization effic ...
'', political and social as much industrial, technological, scientific and artistic. Zammit wholeheartedly shared most of his contemporaries' enthusiasm for growth, development and advancement. Zammit believed that
liberalism Liberalism is a Political philosophy, political and moral philosophy based on the Individual rights, rights of the individual, liberty, consent of the governed, political equality, the right to private property, and equality before the law. ...
– this champion of freedom and free enterprise – was by far the best tool to usher the forward stride of Progress.


Partnership with the British

Though somewhat disappointed with the pope, Zammit never succumbed to any anticlerical sentiments. Alternatively, he concentrated more on giving a push to the propitious wagon of Progress by beginning a long and close association with the British authorities in
Malta Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is an island country in Southern Europe located in the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and North Africa. It consists of an archipelago south of Italy, east of Tunisia, and north of Libya. The two ...
. This was around 1849, when the British administration granted a Maltese elected popular representation in the council of government. To people with Zammit's frame of mind, this was enough to endorse British colonial rule. On its part, government showed itself acquiescent to this new-found affection. In 1849, Zammit was appointed Assistant Superintendent and senior medical doctor of the local civil prisons at Corradino,
Paola Paola is a female given name, the Italian form of the name Paula. In Greek it is Polina. Notable people with the name include: People In arts and entertainment * Paola Del Medico (born 1950), Swiss singer *Paola e Chiara, pop music duo consist ...
. He occupied this position for five years, up till 1854. During the same period, Zammit was also appointed Senior Supervisor of Aqueducts all over the
Maltese islands The geography of Malta is dominated by water. Malta is an archipelago of coralline limestone, located in Europe, in the Mediterranean Sea, 81 kilometres south of Sicily, Italy,From Żebbuġ in Malta, coordinates: 36°04'48.2"N 14°15'06.7"E to Ca ...
. Zammit's work with the British government included important projects which were intended to improve
Malta Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is an island country in Southern Europe located in the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and North Africa. It consists of an archipelago south of Italy, east of Tunisia, and north of Libya. The two ...
's water supply and also the overall drainage system.


Teaching Career and more Publications

In the meantime, Zammit was also engaged with academic endeavours. Apart from lecturing at the Royal University of Malta at Valletta, he actively participated in meetings of intellectuals, artists or craftsmen. In 1864, for instance, he was chosen to be the first Deputy President of the Society for Sciences and Letters. Zammit's talk on the launching of the society was later published as ''Per l'Apertura della Società Maltese di Scienze e Lettere'' ("Opening of the Society for Sciences and Letters"). At the university, he lectured on philosophy, but also on other related subjects, such as art, architectural design, and technology. In 1852, the same year in which – at 37 years of age – he married Melita Schranz (the sister of the renowned painter John Schranz) at the church of St. Paul's Shipwreck,
Valletta Valletta ( ; , ) is the capital city of Malta and one of its 68 Local councils of Malta, council areas. Located between the Grand Harbour to the east and Marsamxett Harbour to the west, its population as of 2021 was 5,157. As Malta’s capital ...
, Zammit composed a work in Italian entitled ''Primo Sviluppo e Primi Progressi dell'Umana Cognizione'' ("The Basic Development and Early Development of Human Knowledge"). Through the next twenty years, while keeping up with his medical, academic, artistic, and social life, Zammit published a string of publications which dealt with a number of topics (all reviewed below). In some way or another, all of them have some interest for the study of philosophy. For each publication sort of reveals a little bit more of Zammit's intellectual life and curiosity. Some of these publications are religious in a social, and perhaps even anthropological, kind of way. These include ''Memorie del Centenario del Naufragio di San Paolo Apostolo'' ("Recollections of the Centenary of the Shipwreck of St. Paul Apostle"; 1858), ''Divota Novena'' ("Holy Novena"; 1868), and ''Il Transito Glorioso'' ("The Glorious Death"; 1872). Other writings deal with industry, engineering and technological matters with a pronounced emphasis on social life and the environment, writings like ''Richerche Idrauliche'' ("Hydraulic Investigations"; 1855), ''Esposizione di Industria Maltese'' ("An Exposition of Maltese Industry"; 1864), ''Malte et son Industrie'' ("Malta and its Industries"1867), and ''Drenaggio'' ("The Drainage System"; 1875). Some others are of an artistic nature, such as ''Angelica o La Sposa della Mosta'' ("Angelica or The Mosta Spouse"; 1861), and the periodical ''L'Arte'' ("Art"; 1862–66). Finally, ''La Fenice'' ("The Phoenician") was another periodical which Zammit issued (1872–76), dealing with current affairs.


Conservative Phase (1876–1899)


Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy

In 1875, at the age of sixty, Zammit was appointed professor to hold the chair of philosophy at the Royal University of Malta. The promotion came into effect at the beginning of the following year. He succeeded the Italian, Nicola Crescimanno (1803–1885), a judge and philosopher who had fled to
Malta Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is an island country in Southern Europe located in the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and North Africa. It consists of an archipelago south of Italy, east of Tunisia, and north of Libya. The two ...
to escape persecution after the
unification of Italy The unification of Italy ( ), also known as the Risorgimento (; ), was the 19th century Political movement, political and social movement that in 1861 ended in the Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy, annexation of List of historic states of ...
, and who had been Dean since 1872. This employment seems to have sealed Zammit's definitive abandonment of his liberal views. Of course, this did not come abruptly. Various writings from the liberal phase attest to budding doubts and almost imperceptible shifts of positions. Nevertheless, it appears that it was only now that the swing – for a swing it was, considering his early and latter intellectual positions – seemed to set wholly in place. Zammit's work as Dean was characterised by a thorough commitment to his academic and intellectual responsibilities. Though the prevailing system taught there was the
Thomistic Thomism is the philosophical and theological school which arose as a legacy of the work and thought of Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274), the Dominican philosopher, theologian, and Doctor of the Church. In philosophy, Thomas's disputed questions ...
one, Zammit sought to widen the horizon of studies to include an intelligent concern with contemporary issues, such as those related to technology, empirical sciences and art.


Zammit's Conservatism

During this latter intellectual phase, Zammit's
liberalism Liberalism is a Political philosophy, political and moral philosophy based on the Individual rights, rights of the individual, liberty, consent of the governed, political equality, the right to private property, and equality before the law. ...
gave way to a more pessimistic, unadventurous and polemical approach to modern ideas and events. Religion became more and more important in his writings. His attitude towards most modern philosopher became markedly negative and apologetic. There seem to be a number of reasons to explain why Zammit's liberal period could not last. One might mention the definitive opposition of the
Catholic Church The Catholic Church (), also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the List of Christian denominations by number of members, largest Christian church, with 1.27 to 1.41 billion baptized Catholics Catholic Church by country, worldwid ...
, and particularly
Pope Pius IX Pope Pius IX (; born Giovanni Maria Battista Pietro Pellegrino Isidoro Mastai-Ferretti; 13 May 1792 – 7 February 1878) was head of the Catholic Church from 1846 to 1878. His reign of nearly 32 years is the longest verified of any pope in hist ...
, to all types of
liberalism Liberalism is a Political philosophy, political and moral philosophy based on the Individual rights, rights of the individual, liberty, consent of the governed, political equality, the right to private property, and equality before the law. ...
. It would surely have been a rather delicate affair in those times for someone to try to reconcile
liberalism Liberalism is a Political philosophy, political and moral philosophy based on the Individual rights, rights of the individual, liberty, consent of the governed, political equality, the right to private property, and equality before the law. ...
and allegiance to the Church, especially in ultra-conservative
Malta Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is an island country in Southern Europe located in the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and North Africa. It consists of an archipelago south of Italy, east of Tunisia, and north of Libya. The two ...
. Besides, in Maltese society there was no class which vied for liberal reforms. The Church was satisfied with the status quo. The higher classes wanted a share of power for themselves, not universal franchise. The reforms reluctantly brought about by the British colonial government were piecemeal and only dictated by necessity. They were on the whole disinclined to share power with the locals. The rest of the population was made up mostly of peasants who lacked an essential condition for class consciousness, that is, a basic sense of common interest and shared opposition to other groups. The lack of class consciousness on the part of the peasants could be seen in their resistance to reforms abrogating the wheat tax, through which they were subjected to an unfair payment of tax, suggested by the Royal Commissioner, F.W. Rowsell, in 1877. On the contrary, the peasants supported the richer members of society who stood to lose by the suggested reforms. Zammit's alliance with the establishment is underlined by his occupation of the chair of philosophy at the university. To be elected to such a position, the approval of both the British authorities and the local ecclesiastical hierarchy was needed.


Academic and Intellectual Work

At the Royal University of Malta, Zammit was very much appreciated, and even loved, by the students. Of course, most of these hailed from the middle-upper and upper classes, and Zammit seems to have felt a sense of deep responsibility in guiding them to conserve those values which safeguarded the current social system. The main interest to which he draws his students' attention seems to have been the improvement of the current way of doing things, both politically and socially, rather than perceiving its unfairness and inequalities or, much less, changing it. This can be seen in Zammit's writings such as ''Prolusione al Corso di Filosofija'' ("Inauguration of the Philosophy Course"; 1877), ''All'Occasione del Conferimento della Laurea'' ("For the Graduation Ceremony"; 1877), ''Al Rinnovamento del Corso Accademico di Filosofija 1879–82'' ("For the Renewal of the Academic Course in Philosophy 1879–82"; 1879), ''Dio e la Suola'' ("God and Learning"; 1881), ''Dio e la Vita'' ("God and Life"; 1883), ''In Morte del Prof. Arciprete Antonio Albanese D.D.'' ("On the Death of Prof. Archpriest Antonio Albanese D.D."; 1885), and ''Alla Classe di Filosofia'' ("To the Philosophy Class"; 1886). Most, if not all, of these have a decidedly paternalistic attitude very congruous with the times, and bear to Zammit's positive abandonment of any liberal sentiments. Whereas formerly Zammit had been very critical towards aristocrats, now he seemed to be propane in seeing them as the moral bulwark of society. This can be seen in writings such as ''La Contessa Maria Sonia Sciberras Bologna'' ("The Countess Maria Sonia Sciberras Bologna"; 1878), ''All'Occasione della Solenne Apertura del Conservatorio Vincenzo Bugeja'' ("On the Occasion of the Official Opening of the Vincenzo Bugeja Charitable Institution"; 1880), ''Di Francesco Saverio Schembri'' ("About Francesco Saverio Schembri"; 1880), and ''Il Conservatorio Vincenzo Bugeja'' ("The Vincenzo Bugeja Charitable Institution"; 1883). In matters of religion, Zammit could not have become more conventional. In ''Ai Funerali di Pio IX'' ("For the Funeral of
Pius IX Pope Pius IX (; born Giovanni Maria Battista Pietro Pellegrino Isidoro Mastai-Ferretti; 13 May 1792 – 7 February 1878) was head of the Catholic Church from 1846 to 1878. His reign of nearly 32 years is the longest verified of any pope in hist ...
"; 1878) he excused the pope for his failures. Moreover, when it came to religion Zammit seems to have chosen of take a within-the-walls stance, preferring now to look too much to the philosophical possibility that opposing views might have a point after all. In 1883, at his home-town, Siggiewi, Zammit founded the St. Nicholas Philharmonic Society.


Decline and death

After all his vicissitudes, it appears that Zammit did not seem to want to leave the world without giving voice to his beliefs and concerns. This he did in his final writing – and the magnum opus of his conservative intellectual phase – which he named ''Pensieri d'un Retrogrado'' ("Reflections of Old Hand"1888). After published this tome, Zammit retained his post at the Royal University of Malta for two more years, up till 1890. He now had seventy-five years of age, and had been Dean for the last fifteen of those. Zammit was succeeded by Francis Bonnici. On his retirement, as a sign of gratitude the British government granted Zammit an annual pension of a hundred pounds (considerable for those days). He spent his last years in relative withdrawal at his residence at
Sliema Sliema ( ) is a town located on the northeast coast of Malta in the Districts of Malta#Northern Harbour District, Northern Harbour District. It is a major residential and commercial area and a centre for shopping, bars, dining, and café life. ...
, Malta. He died at home on 29 July 1899 at the age of 83. His funeral procession began at
Sliema Sliema ( ) is a town located on the northeast coast of Malta in the Districts of Malta#Northern Harbour District, Northern Harbour District. It is a major residential and commercial area and a centre for shopping, bars, dining, and café life. ...
and proceeded to Siggiewi, where he had been born, and laid to rest at the cemetery there. A journalist who was at the funeral later commented that, considering the stature of the deceased, 'too few people, walking silently, accompanied the coffin'.


Writings

Zammit's writings are more or less all relevant for the study and appreciation of his philosophy. The major ones, of course, take pride of place. Nevertheless, all the others should not be discarded, as they offer glimpses, something quite important, into the mind and personality of the philosopher.


Major writings

* ''Per l'Apertura della Società Maltese di Scienze e Lettere'' ("Opening of the Society for Sciences and Letters"; 1864). – Printed at the Albion Press,
Malta Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is an island country in Southern Europe located in the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and North Africa. It consists of an archipelago south of Italy, east of Tunisia, and north of Libya. The two ...
, and containing 35 pages, this little tract might stand as a typical composition relative to Zammit's liberal phase. The work reproduces the talk which Zammit gave at the launching of the said society on 22 October 1864. In the address, Zammit gave a positive account of the arts and sciences of his times. Art and science were responsible for the qualitative improvement man experienced in modern times, he states. Zammit pointed out to the need that science should always be considered in connection with industry. He stressed that academia should not be just intellectual clubs, but should also give a positive contribution to society. In the discourse, on can find a lot of
empiricist In philosophy, empiricism is an epistemological view which holds that true knowledge or justification comes only or primarily from sensory experience and empirical evidence. It is one of several competing views within epistemology, along ...
and
utilitarian In ethical philosophy, utilitarianism is a family of normative ethical theories that prescribe actions that maximize happiness and well-being for the affected individuals. In other words, utilitarian ideas encourage actions that lead to the ...
innuendoes. :British influence emerges in Zammit's expressed admiration towards the British political and economic systems and way of life. In politics, Zammit favoured an
empiricist In philosophy, empiricism is an epistemological view which holds that true knowledge or justification comes only or primarily from sensory experience and empirical evidence. It is one of several competing views within epistemology, along ...
'down to earth' approach, rather than any hazy political idealism or utopianism. He showed an
empiricist In philosophy, empiricism is an epistemological view which holds that true knowledge or justification comes only or primarily from sensory experience and empirical evidence. It is one of several competing views within epistemology, along ...
dislike of theory, possessing a favourable disposition towards men of action. :In positivist fashion, Zammit attributed Britain's dominant economic and political position to its industries. :Zammit also regarded favourably French intellectuals. Together with their British counterparts, they are labelled 'enlightened' because, Zammit insists, they helped man in his technological and intellectual progress. :In his discourse, Zammit also talked in upbeat terms about popular democracy. Arts and sciences, he says, should have a popular and democratic function. Zammit stated that one of the aims of literature is to prepare people for plebiscite. It is clear that his liberal assumptions led him to believe in the people's ability to make good, rational judgements, thus maintaining the possibility of improving social and political situations. He claimed that literature should be a connecting link between people and their intellectuals, rather than something reserved to some elite. :With regards to the thinkers mentioned in the talk,
Aristotle Aristotle (; 384–322 BC) was an Ancient Greek philosophy, Ancient Greek philosopher and polymath. His writings cover a broad range of subjects spanning the natural sciences, philosophy, linguistics, economics, politics, psychology, a ...
has none of the respect he shall later enjoy in Zammit's conservative phase, as can be seen, for instance, in ''Pensieri d'un Retrogrado''. Indeed,
Aristotle Aristotle (; 384–322 BC) was an Ancient Greek philosophy, Ancient Greek philosopher and polymath. His writings cover a broad range of subjects spanning the natural sciences, philosophy, linguistics, economics, politics, psychology, a ...
's legacy is considered as a grudge. Science could only develop, Zammit maintains, by freeing itself from it. :Zammit was also for the reconciliation of religion and science. In this respect, it is also important to note that in this talk religion does not feature as much as it does in his later, conservative works. * ''Pensieri d'un Retrogrado'' ("Reflections of an Old Hand"; 1888) – Published by Tipografia Industriale of Giovanni Muscat,
Malta Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is an island country in Southern Europe located in the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and North Africa. It consists of an archipelago south of Italy, east of Tunisia, and north of Libya. The two ...
, the book contains 425 pages of packed text. The composition represents the height of Zammit's thought relative to his conservative intellectual phase. St. Augustine takes pride of place when it comes to the intellectual sources of the work, calling for a revival of his philosophical approach. :In the book, Zammit deals with some 125 different themes divided in five groups of a more or less philosophical, moral, social, scientific/literary, and Christian nature. :In the introduction, Zammit states that ''arrivati a conclusioni impossibili, rigettate le tradizioni della verità non si può più che fermarsi, che retrocedere per progredire. Rinnegare il passato per un presente che non lo vale ed un futuro che minaccia, accettare una luce che acceca è una stoltezza nella civiltà'' ('having come to impossible conclusions, refusing the traditions of truth, it cannot be otherwise that we stop, that we retreat in order to advance. Refusing the past for a worthless present and a threatening future, embracing a blinding light, is madness for society). The book, Zammit declares, ''ci ricordi modestamente i nostri errori, le nostre speranze e i nostri destini'' (modestly reminds us of our errors, our hopes, and out destinies). :Zammit demonstrates an uncommon intensity throughout the work. He writes with conviction and persuasiveness, almost provocation. Nevertheless, the book, though formally complex, lacks unity. It seems that the various parts were put together sporadically. Sometimes there is no attempt at giving them some kind of amalgamated unified form. Nevertheless, the work as a whole is staggering. It deals with natural philosophy, metaphysics, the decadent nature of modern humans, the passions, and so many other themes. :Despite its depth, in general the work contains little philosophical originality. Its uniqueness seems to lie in its transitory nature; in upholding and advocating, that is, a change from a scholastic way of looking at philosophy and the world to the perspective championed by St. Augustine. :Nevertheless, the main thrust of Zammit's book is destructive. In line with other early and mid-19th century Christian apologists, he might indeed be called 'irrational'. Not because he denies man's rational nature or capacities, but rather because he denies any claim that rationality may provide a sufficient explanation of humans' ability to arrive at theoretical or moral heights through his own rational powers. :Still, Zammit's work has characteristics which differentiate him from that of other 19th century apologists and draws him nearer to the neo-Scholastic way of thinking.


All writings in chronological order

It would be a mistake to study Zammit by reading just one single publication of his, namely the ''Pensieri d'un Retrogrado'', as is commonly done. This will only provide a distorted view of the man's philosophy. Furthermore, even if it represents his thought during the final part of his life, it surely excludes his whole liberal phase completely. The list below includes all known works by Zammit. It should serve at least as an indication of the historically broad spread of his writings. # 1838 – ''Pensieri Liberi di un Idiota sull'Interesse Mercantile'' (Free Thoughts by an Idiot on the Interest in Merchandise) – ''Attributed'' # 1838–46 – Various contributions to ''Il Portafoglio Maltese'' (The Maltese Portafolio) # 1845–46 – Various contributions to ''L'Unione'' (The Union) # 1846–48 – Various contributions to ''Giahan'' (Jahan) # 1846 – ''Il Foglio del Popolo'' (The People's Sheet) # 1846–48 – ''La Rivista'' (The Magazine) # 1846 –''La Fiammetta'' (The Little Torch) # 1848–49 – Various contributions to ''Il Precursore'' (The Precursor) # 1852 – ''Primo Sviluppo e Primi Progressi dell'Umana Cognizione'' (The Basic Development and Early Development of Human Knowledge). # 1855 – ''Richerche Idrauliche'' (Hydraulic Investigations) # 1858 – ''Memorie del Centenario del Naufragio di San Paolo Apostolo'' (Recollections of the Centenary of the Shipwreck of St. Paul Apostle) # 1861 – ''Angelica o La Sposa della Mosta'' (Angelica or The Mosta Spouse) # 1862–66 – ''L'Arte'' (Art) # 1864 – ''Esposizione di Industria Maltese'' (An Exposition of Maltese Industry) # 1864 – ''Per l'Apertura della Società Maltese di Scienze e Lettere'' (Opening of the Society for Sciences and Letters) # 1867 – ''Malte et son Industrie'' (Malta and its Industries) # 1868 – ''Divota Novena'' (Holy Novena) # 1872 – ''Il Transito Glorioso'' (The Glorious Death) # 1872–76 – ''La Fenice'' (The Phoenician) # 1875 – ''Drenaggio'' (The Drainage System) # 1877 – ''Prolusione al Corso di Filosofija'' (Inauguration of the Philosophy Course) # 1877 – ''All'Occasione del Conferimento della Laurea'' (For the Graduation Ceremony) # 1879 – ''Al Rinnovamento del Corso Accademico di Filosofija 1879–82'' (For the Renewal of the Academic Course in Philosophy 1879–82) # 1878 – ''La Contessa Maria Sonia Sciberras Bologna'' (The Countess Maria Sonia Sciberras Bologna) # 1878 – ''Ai Funerali di Pio IX'' (For the Funeral of
Pius IX Pope Pius IX (; born Giovanni Maria Battista Pietro Pellegrino Isidoro Mastai-Ferretti; 13 May 1792 – 7 February 1878) was head of the Catholic Church from 1846 to 1878. His reign of nearly 32 years is the longest verified of any pope in hist ...
) # 1880 – ''All'Occasione della Selonne Apertura del Conservatorio Vincenzo Bugeja'' (On the Occasion of the Official Opening of the Vincenzo Bugeja Charitable Institution) # 1880 – ''Di Francesco Saverio Schembri'' (About Francesco Saverio Schembri) # 1881 – ''Dio e la Suola'' (God and Learning) # 1883 – ''Il Conservatorio Vincenzo Bugeja'' (The Vincenzo Bugeja Charitable Institution;) # 1883 – ''Dio e la Vita'' (God and Life) # 1885 – ''In Morte del Prof. Arciprete Antonio Albanese D.D.'' (On the Death of Prof. Archpriest Antonio Albanese D.D.) # 1886 – ''Alla Classe di Filosofia'' (To the Philosophy Class) # 1888 – ''Pensieri d'un Retrogrado'' (Reflections of an Old-Hand)


Works of structural engineering and artistic design

Zammit was very much involved with commissions of design. Invariably, these were contracted by religious circles. Though some of them entailed relatively small, minor embellishments and adornments, others, such as the architectonic assignments, comprised large tasks.


Churches

All of the following churches are situated in
Malta Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is an island country in Southern Europe located in the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and North Africa. It consists of an archipelago south of Italy, east of Tunisia, and north of Libya. The two ...
. It is as yet unknown whether Zammit was ever commissioned to work on other churches abroad. * Façade of the church of St. Catherine, Zurrieq (1861) * Naves and portico of the church of St. Nicholas, Siggiewi (1862) * Structural alterations to the church of Our Lady of Graces, Zabbar (1875) * Façade of the church of St. Publius,
Floriana Floriana ( or ''Il-Floriana''), also known by its title Borgo Vilhena, is a Floriana Lines, fortified town in the Port Region, Malta, Port Region area of Malta, just outside the capital city Valletta. It has a population of 2,205 as of March 2014 ...
(1885) * Façade of the church of St. Paul Shipwreck,
Valletta Valletta ( ; , ) is the capital city of Malta and one of its 68 Local councils of Malta, council areas. Located between the Grand Harbour to the east and Marsamxett Harbour to the west, its population as of 2021 was 5,157. As Malta’s capital ...
(1886) * Restoration of the church of St. Peter,
Marsaxlokk Marsaxlokk () is a small, traditional fishing village in the Southern Region, Malta, Southern Region of Malta. It has a harbour, and is a tourist attraction known for its views, fishing and history. As of March 2014, the village had a populati ...
* Plan and design for the church of Our Lady of Victories,
Naxxar Naxxar () is a town and local council in the Northern Region of Malta. The population in March 2014 was 14,891. The Naxxar Church is dedicated to Our Lady of Victories. The annual village feast is celebrated on 8 September. It formerly hoste ...
– ''Unimplemented''


Memorials

''Unfortunately, a complete and detailed list of the following is as yet unavailable.'' * Plan and design of various memorial or funerary chapels at the Addolorata Cemetery,
Paola Paola is a female given name, the Italian form of the name Paula. In Greek it is Polina. Notable people with the name include: People In arts and entertainment * Paola Del Medico (born 1950), Swiss singer *Paola e Chiara, pop music duo consist ...
, Malta.


Artistic design

''Regrettably, this list here is almost certainly not exhaustive.'' * The frontal for the major altar, the canopy, the ceiling decorations, the floor adornment, and all the festive liturgical paraphernalia at the church of the
Immaculate Conception The Immaculate Conception is the doctrine that the Virgin Mary was free of original sin from the moment of her conception. It is one of the four Mariology, Marian dogmas of the Catholic Church. Debated by medieval theologians, it was not def ...
,
Cospicua Cospicua (Italian language, Italian) or Bormla (Maltese language, Maltese, ), occasionally also known by the Latin language, Latin name Cottonera, is a double-fortified harbour city in the Port Region, Malta, Port Region of Malta. It served as th ...
* The festive pillar for the statue of
Pope Pius IX Pope Pius IX (; born Giovanni Maria Battista Pietro Pellegrino Isidoro Mastai-Ferretti; 13 May 1792 – 7 February 1878) was head of the Catholic Church from 1846 to 1878. His reign of nearly 32 years is the longest verified of any pope in hist ...
,
Cospicua Cospicua (Italian language, Italian) or Bormla (Maltese language, Maltese, ), occasionally also known by the Latin language, Latin name Cottonera, is a double-fortified harbour city in the Port Region, Malta, Port Region of Malta. It served as th ...
* The floor adornment at the church of St. Catherine of Alexandria, Zejtun * The canopy, the festive liturgical paraphernalia, and the choir stalls at the church of St. George,
Qormi Qormi (, , ), also known by its title Città Pinto, is a city in the Southern Region, Malta, Southern Region of Malta, southwest of Valletta in the centre of the island. It has a population of 16,324 (as of March 2018), making it Malta's fifth-la ...
* The main canopy at the cathedral of the
archbishop In Christian denominations, an archbishop is a bishop of higher rank or office. In most cases, such as the Catholic Church, there are many archbishops who either have jurisdiction over an ecclesiastical province in addition to their own archdi ...
,
Mdina Mdina ( ; ), also known by its Italian epithets ("Old City") and ("Notable City"), is a fortifications of Mdina, fortified city in the Western Region, Malta, Western Region of Malta which served as the island's former capital, from antiquity ...
* The frontal for the major altar, and various items of the festive liturgical paraphernalia at the church of St. Nicholas, Siggiewi * The triumphal arch for St. Paul's Street,
Valletta Valletta ( ; , ) is the capital city of Malta and one of its 68 Local councils of Malta, council areas. Located between the Grand Harbour to the east and Marsamxett Harbour to the west, its population as of 2021 was 5,157. As Malta’s capital ...
, for the XVIII centenary of St. Paul's Shipwreck (1858) – ''Not in use any more'' * The coat of arms of various villages, towns and cities around
Malta Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is an island country in Southern Europe located in the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and North Africa. It consists of an archipelago south of Italy, east of Tunisia, and north of Libya. The two ...
and
Gozo Gozo ( ), known in classical antiquity, antiquity as Gaulos, is an island in the Malta#The Maltese archipelago, Maltese archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. The island is part of the Republic of Malta. After the Malta Island, island of Malta ...
– ''most still in use today by the
local councils of Malta Since June 30, 1993, Malta has been subdivided into 68 localities, governed by local councils, , meaning municipalities or boroughs, and considered by the Maltese as the equivalent to basic villages or towns, where appropriate. These form the mo ...
'' * Good Friday catafalque at the church of the
Franciscans The Franciscans are a group of related organizations in the Catholic Church, founded or inspired by the Italian saint Francis of Assisi. They include three independent religious orders for men (the Order of Friars Minor being the largest conte ...
,
Valletta Valletta ( ; , ) is the capital city of Malta and one of its 68 Local councils of Malta, council areas. Located between the Grand Harbour to the east and Marsamxett Harbour to the west, its population as of 2021 was 5,157. As Malta’s capital ...
(1870) * The pulpit for the church of St. Michael, Mqabba


Appreciation

Within philosophical circles, Zammit has been sometimes taken lightly. This has been mainly due to the fact that most are ''only'' acquainted to his ''Pensieri d'un Retrogrado''. Indeed, reading this work ''without'' any or scant knowledge of the rest of his literary output cannot but thoroughly distort Zammit's philosophical output and significance. ''Both'' his liberal and conservative phases must be taken into consideration to form a balanced and holistic view of his philosophy. To date, a methodical and comprehensive appreciation of Zammit's philosophy has still not been done. Though the research and studies of Jimmy Xerri and Michael Grech come close, they might still have lacked a consideration of Zammit's philosophy in its entirety. Most certainly, Zammit is not a philosopher to be discarded. His broad knowledge, together with his curiosity and perplexities, not only make his works interesting and intriguing, but they also can still engage contemporary philosophers in avid and profitable discussions.


References


Sources

* * * * *


See also

*
Philosophy in Malta Philosophy in Malta refers to the philosophy of Maltese nationals or those of Maltese descent, whether living in Malta or abroad, whether writing in their native Maltese language or in a foreign language. Though Malta is not more than a tiny Eur ...
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zammit, Nicholas 19th-century Maltese philosophers 1815 births 1899 deaths People from Siġġiewi 19th-century Maltese architects Academic staff of the University of Malta University of Malta alumni Crown Colony of Malta people