Moral Philosophy of Stjepan Zimmermann: from Speculative Theory to Living Practice

Abstract

https://doi.org/10.21860/j.16.1.6

This paper is structured into three sections, comprising an introduction and a conclusion. The initial section presents a concise overview of the biographical and bibliographical details of the Croatian philosopher Stjepan Zimmermann (Virovitica, 24 December 1884 – Zagreb, 13 April 1963). The second section of the paper presents a detailed exposition of Zimmermann's theistic philosophical position. In his philosophical works, Zimmermann presents a distinctly Christian theistic perspective on life. From this philosophical foundation, he then proceeds to delineate a series of practical steps for the concrete life of an individual. In his philosophical works, Zimmermann considers the nature of human existence, both as an individual and as a member of a social community. This is situated within the broader context of philosophical reflection on the nature of life itself. The third section of the paper presents Zimmermann's moral philosophy, which encompasses both theoretical and practical elements. In alignment with the theistic perspective on morality, God is regarded as the ultimate standard for moral conduct. Accordingly, an individual's moral life can be conceived of as a process of attaining perfection in God. This suggests that a person's moral development involves a unification with God, which serves as the ultimate exemplar of moral excellence. Zimmermann's philosophy leads to the conclusion that an individual's moral conduct has significant implications, both at the level of the individual and at the societal scale.