Thomas De Koninck

Thomas De Koninck, a distinguished Canadian philosopher whose profound insights into human dignity and ultimate questions resonated across academic and public spheres, passed away on February 16, 2026, in Québec, Canada, at the age of 91. Born in Leuven, Belgium, on March 26, 1934, De Koninck dedicated his life to the pursuit and dissemination of philosophical thought, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students and scholars.

De Koninck's extensive academic journey began with a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford, followed by studies at Université Laval and Freie Universität Berlin. He commenced his teaching career at the University of Notre Dame in the United States before returning to Québec to join Université Laval in 1964, where he remained a revered professor for over five decades. His tenure at Laval included serving as Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy from 1974 to 1978, a period during which he significantly shaped the institution's philosophical discourse.

Throughout his illustrious career, Thomas De Koninck was celebrated for his influential writings, particularly his work on human dignity, Greek philosophy, and the philosophy of education. His book "De la dignité humaine" earned him the prestigious Prix La Bruyère from l'Académie française in 1996, highlighting his significant contributions to contemporary thought. He was also recognized with the Prize of the Canadian Philosophical Association in 2013 for his work "Questions ultimes."

A highly respected figure, De Koninck was inducted as a Member of the Royal Society of Canada in 2002 and appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2005, Canada's highest civilian honor. His commitment to making philosophy accessible extended beyond academia, as he actively participated in public forums and served as president of the Canadian Philosophical Association. His legacy is one of intellectual rigor, unwavering dedication to humanistic values, and a profound belief in the liberating power of knowledge.