Born: 1894 (Belgrade, Serbia)
Died: 1981
Biography:
Ksenija Atanasijević (1894–1981) was the first recognized major female Serbian philosopher and the first female professor of Belgrade University. She made significant contributions to the field of philosophy, particularly in the areas of ancient Greek philosophy and the history of Serbian philosophy. Atanasijević also played a crucial role in translating important philosophical works into Serbian, including works by Aristotle, Plato, and Spinoza. She was not only a scholar but also an early Serbian feminist writer and philosopher.
Ksenija Atanasijević was born on February 5, 1894, in Belgrade. She was the youngest of six children born to Doctor Svetozar Atanasijević and Jelena Atanasijević (née Čumić). Tragically, her mother passed away during childbirth. Her father, a well-respected doctor and director of the State Hospital in Belgrade, raised Ksenija and her siblings. However, when Ksenija was only twelve years old, her father also died. Her stepmother, Sofija Kondić, who was a teacher at the Women’s College in Belgrade, became her guardian. Kondić was well-qualified to continue Ksenija’s education and became instrumental in shaping her philosophical journey.
During her time at the Lyceum, Ksenija was greatly influenced by her philosophy professor, Nada Stoiljković. Stoiljković recommended that Ksenija pursue philosophy with her former professor at Belgrade, Branislav Petronijević. In the autumn of 1918, Ksenija Atanasijević became Petronijević’s pupil at the University of Belgrade. Petronijević was an authoritarian and demanding professor, exactly what Ksenija needed at that point in her academic journey. He was a brilliant philosopher and one of the most renowned intellectuals of his time in Serbia. Under Petronijević’s guidance, Ksenija flourished and quickly gained recognition from Belgrade’s most distinguished intellectuals.
In July 1920, Ksenija graduated with top honors in her graduating class, obtaining a university diploma in pure and applied philosophy and classics. Her exceptional academic performance and passion for philosophy motivated her to pursue a career in academia. Shortly after graduating, she began working on her doctoral thesis on Giordano Bruno’s De triplici minimo. She even traveled to Geneva and Paris to seek out rare philosophical works and engage in discussions related to her thesis. On January 20, 1922, she successfully defended her Ph.D with honors in Belgrade before a panel of esteemed academics, including rector Jovan Cvijić, Mihailo Petrović, Milutin Milanković, Veselin Čajkanović, and her mentor, Branislav Petronijević.
After the successful defense of her thesis, Ksenija Atanasijević became the first woman to hold a professorship at Belgrade University. Her appointment was groundbreaking, not only for her own achievements but also for paving the way for future female philosophers and academics in Serbia. She dedicated her career to teaching and research, inspiring countless students with her knowledge and passion for philosophy.
Throughout her career, Atanasijević made significant contributions to the understanding and dissemination of philosophical ideas. Her translations of important philosophical works played a crucial role in making these seminal texts accessible to the Serbian audience. She also wrote extensively on various philosophical topics, including ancient Greek philosophy and the history of Serbian philosophy. Atanasijević’s work was deeply rooted in her feminist beliefs, and she consistently advocated for gender equality and women’s rights.
Ksenija Atanasijević’s impact extended beyond academia. Her presence and achievements in the male-dominated field of philosophy served as an inspiration for women in Serbia and beyond. She challenged societal norms and shattered stereotypes, proving that women could excel intellectually and make meaningful contributions to their fields.
Awards:
– First female professor at Belgrade University