Other
Philosophers - Rectors of the University of Zagreb
Ivan Macut
orcid.org/0000-0001-8343-8902
; Institute of Philosophy, Zagreb
Abstract
University of Zagreb is our oldest and certainly our most prestigious university. It was founded in the second half of the 17th century—more precisely on September 23, 1669—and has operated continuously up to the present day. The 350th anniversary of the University of Zagreb was celebrated in 2019. The University was restored and reopened on October 19, 1874. By examining the list of rectors of the University of Zagreb from 1874 to the present day, there have been a total of eight rectors who were also philosophers. In this paper, we present them in chronological order: Antun Kržan (third rector: 1876–1877); Franjo Marković (eighth rector: 1881–1882); Đuro Arnold (twenty-sixth rector: 1899–1900); Antun Bauer (thirty-third rector: 1906–1907); Stjepan Zimmermann (fiftieth rector: 1923–1924); Albert Bazala (fifty-fifth rector: 1932–1933); Ivan Supek (seventy-seventh rector: 1968–1972); and finally Predrag Vranicki (seventy-eighth rector: 1972–1976). Taking into account all rectors who were also philosophers, we can say that they came from two faculties: the Faculty of Philosophy (Mudroslovni/Filozofski) and the Faculty of Theology (Bogoslovni). Every university, including the University of Zagreb, by its fundamental mission should strive for openness of spirit toward new scientific insights. Moreover, it is necessary at the University to respect the spirit of diversity and to cultivate inclusiveness, and—despite all differences—to promote and firmly uphold mutual respect Therefore, it is our wish that the honorable rector’s chair of the University of Zagreb once again be occupied both by distinguished professors from the Catholic Faculty of Theology and by those from the Faculty of Philosophy, so that with their knowledge and abilities they may lead this University toward a better future.
Keywords
University of Zagreb; rectors; philosophers; Faculty of Philosophy (Mudroslovni/Filozofski); Faculty of Theology (Bogoslovni).
Hrčak ID:
345103
URI
Publication date:
4.3.2026.
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