Henrik Gabriel Porthan
Henrik Gabriel Porthan (born November 8 or 9, 1739 in Viitasaari , Finland , † March 16, 1804 in Turku ) was a Finnish scholar and is considered the "father of Finnish historiography ".
Porthan's parents were Pastor Porthan and his wife Kristina, nee. Juslenius. The family was Swedish-speaking . A memorial stone now commemorates him on the site of Porthan's birthplace in Viitasaari.
academic career
Porthan began his studies in 1754 at the Turku Academy in what was then the Finnish capital, Turku, and obtained his master's degree in 1760. In 1772 he became university librarian, in 1779 professor and in 1802 chancellery.
philosopher
As a lecturer in philosophy, Porthan gained great influence. He represented an eclectic philosophy and was a supporter of the teachings of John Locke and an opponent of Immanuel Kant .
linguist
Porthan was a pioneer of modern Finno-Ugric studies . He began collecting Finnish folk songs and poems, a work that was later completed by Elias Lönnrot . He wrote a grammar of the Finnish language and worked on a lexicon of the etymology of Finnish, which however remained unfinished.
historian
As a historian, Porthan continued the work of M. Juusten and expanded his historical work. Porthan dealt primarily with Finnish church history, but critics accuse him of being biased as a Protestant against Catholic and Orthodox customs and traditions.
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| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Porthan, Henrik Gabriel |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | Finnish scholar, is considered the "father of Finnish historiography" |
| DATE OF BIRTH | November 9, 1739 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Viitasaari |
| DATE OF DEATH | March 16, 1804 |
| Place of death | Turku |