Angelo Pirotta

Angelo Pirotta
Born	27 December 1894 Naxxar, Malta
Died	16 November 1956 (aged 61) Naxxar, Malta
Occupation	Philosophy
Parent(s)	John Mary Pirotta (1867–1946) and Antonia née Camilleri (1875–1929)

Angelo Pirotta, O.P. (December 27, 1894 – November 16, 1956) was a major Maltese philosopher. His areas of specialisation in philosophy were chiefly epistemology and metaphysics.^[1]

Life

The early years

Pirotta was born at Naxxar, Malta.^[2] Even if his family lived hand to mouth, he was the first of thirteen children, three of whom died in infancy.

Pirotta was first privately schooled by Canon Fortunato De Bono. Later, he eventually enrolled on a regular course at the government-owned high school for boys (the Lyceum) at Valletta. He completed the course at the Lyceum up till the age of sixteen. Thereafter, he joined the Dominicans almost immediately, on April 30, 1911.

Initial formation

At Rabat, together with his companions, Pirotta began his novitiate, and then, a year later, made his simple (three-year) profession on May 12, 1912. Thereafter, he began his institutional studies; three years of philosophy (1912–15), and four of theology (1915–19), of course all according to the [Thomist] tradition. He made his religious profession on May 11, 1915.

After completing his second year of theology (1916/17), Pirotta was chosen to continue his theological studies at Pontifical International Angelicum College in Rome, the future Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Angelicum. In the meantime, he was ordained a priest by on September 22, 1917, at the St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta.

In Rome Pirotta resided at the Angelicum College itself. After his two years of theology (1917–19), on July 1, 1919, he successfully set for his Lectorate exams with a dissertation entitled De Reali Distinctione inter Essentiam et Esse in Creatis (The Real Distinction between Essence and Existence in Created Being). Thereafter, he proceeded with his post-graduate studies in philosophy (1919–21). Meanwhile, he also prepared his doctorate thesis, entitled De Supposto et Persona, which he successfully defended on, July 1, 1921.

The Italy years

At Viterbo

Pirotta’s first academic assignment was at Viterbo. Here he spent five academic years (1921–26), teaching history of philosophy, natural science (also called ‘physics’), and theodicy (theologia fundamentalis; now called natural theology). Here he was frequently invited to address the Circulus Philosophicus (Philosophical Discussion Group), and was also asked to contribute to prestigious Thomistic periodicals, read sermons, and give speeches. At Viterbo, Pirotta also prepared his first major publication, and frankly his most successful composition to date: an exposition of Aquinas’ commentary on Aristotle’s De Anima (On the Soul).

At Rome

After Viterbo, Pirotta returned to Rome to assume a teaching post at the Angelicum College. Here Pirotta remained for just two years (1926-28), teaching philosophy, theodicy, logic, and ontology.

In terms of literary production, Pirotta’s Roman years correspond to a very prolific and industrious period. He wrote reviews, scientific articles, and even prepared and published his second major work: another exposition on Aquinas’ commentaries on Aristotle’s De Sensu et Sensato (On Sense and Sensibility) and De Memoria et Reminiscientia (On Memory and Remembrance).

Interlude in Malta

In 1928 Pirotta had to retire momentarily to his homeland since his family was in dire straits. One of his brothers became seriously ill, and his mother was ill and dying. She succumbed on July 5, 1929.

In Malta Pirotta spent two academic years (1928–30), residing and lecturing at Rabat, Malta. More or less as usual, Pirotta read philosophy, the history of philosophy, and apologetics. He also continued to publish steadily, especially scientific reviews and articles.

At Fiesole

Back in Italy, Pirotta was sent to College of Fiesole, near Florence, Italy. The college here was not a public one, but the academic institution that prepared Dominican students for the priesthood. Pirotta stayed here for just one academic year (1930/31), reading the history of philosophy, and the treatise on divine revelation.

Here he also worked upon the first of his six-volumed Summa Philosophæ (The Sum of Philosophy), which he published in 1931. He also prepared for his Masters. The final exam was successfully held on May 7, 1931, in Rome at the Angelicum College, which by that time had been upgraded to the status of an international university. As was the usual practice, the title was conferred four years later. The official investiture was held at the Dominican Priory at Rabat, Malta on November 24, 1935.

At Naples

After Tuscany came Naples. Here, at the Aquinas College of the Dominicans, Pirotta did not go simply as a lecturer, but as a Rector (‘Lectorem Primarium’). He stayed here for three consecutive academic years (1931–34).

At Naples, Pirotta may be considered to have been at the peak of his academic career. At the beginning of his experience there he published the first of his planned six-volumed Summa Philosophæ: a study about Aristotelico-Thomistic logic, called the Philosophia Rationalis (Rational Philosophy). Later, he proceeded to publish his third exposition: this time of Aquinas’ commentary on Aristotle’s Ethicorum ad Nichomachum (Nichomachean Ethics).

In Malta

In 1934, Pirotta was recalled to Malta, at Rabat, Malta. During the first academic year (1934/35) he was just a lecturer of philosophy. In the following year, however, he was chosen to be the Rector of the college. He retained this office for nine years, up till 1944, which included the worst of the World War II years in Malta.

At the beginning of the 1935/36 academic year, Pirotta was officially conferred with his Masters. A few months later, he issued his second volume of the Summa Philosophiæ, the one dealing with natural philosophy, and called Philosophia Naturalis.

In 1938 Pirotta applied for the Deanship of philosophy at the Royal University of Malta. Though unmatched or much less unsurpassed by any other contender, he lost the competition nonetheless. Though he took the rebuff most gracefully, Pirotta decided to make some drastic changes to his life. Thus, from 1939 onwards, right up to his death, he lived the larger part of his days at Naxxar, staying at his convent at Rabat, Malta only as little as possible.

At Rabat, Malta Pirotta was still the Rector, and still read philosophy at the college there. Also from 1939 onwards, he acted as supplementary examiner at the Royal University of Malta. He further continued to deliver sermons here and there, and even to hear confessions on a regular basis.

Retirement and death

Before the war was over, at the end of the academic year of 1943/44, Pirotta – now almost fifty years of age – was relieved of the post of Rector at Rabat, Malta. During these years he assiduously worked on his next publication, which eventually had to be his last. This was his fourth exposition, the one on Aquinas’ eight books of commentaries on Aristotle’s De Physico Auditu (Physics). It was published in 1953.

One fatal day in the latter part of 1955, Pirotta became victim of acute cerebral vascular insufficiency due to diabetes and chronic smoking. As a result, his memory had become seriously impaired, and so was his reasoning powers. He died at his parents’ home at Naxxar on November 16, 1956, a month short of his sixty-second birthday, and buried in the Dominican church of Our Lady of the Grotto at Rabat, Malta.

Works

Opus magnum

• The Summa Philosophiæ Aristotelico-Thomisticæ (The Sum of Aritotelico-Thomistic Philosophy) – Pirotta planned to publish six volumes to complete this work. Unfortunately, he only succeeded in publishing just the first two. The other four volumes remained manuscripts in different phases of preparation. Undoubtedly, the works of this large-scale project represent Pirotta’s philosophical prowess at its very best.
  • VOL. I – Philosophia Rationalis (Rational Philosophy; 1931) – This book in Latin, containing 267 pages (and twelve preliminary pages with Roman enumeration), was published by Marietti of Turin, Italy. It is the first volume of Pirotta’s incomplete Summa Philosophiæ project. The volume opens with a preface and a general introduction to philosophy; and closes with a chart that shows the classification of the philosophical sciences according to the Aristotelico-Thomistic school of thought. All paragraphs contained in the book are numbered. Essentially, Pirotta’s Rational Philosophy is a study about logic.
  • VOL. II – Philosophia Naturalis (Natural Philosophy; 1936) – The second volume of the incomplete Summa project took five years to finalize. This book is also in Latin, as most of Pirotta’s writings, and contains 820 pages, excluding the eight preliminary pages with Roman enumeration. Like the other volume, it was published with Marietti of Turin, Italy. The book opens with a foreword to the reader, and an introduction; and concludes with an appendix. All paragraphs contained in the book are numbered. Obviously, the writing deals with natural philosophy.
  • VOL. III – Metaphysica Ostensiva Generalis seu Ontologia (General Demonstrative Metaphysics or Ontology; c.1935-40)^[3] – This volume in the series should have begun to present Pirotta’s work on metaphysics. Unfortunately it was never published, though its manuscript shows that it was in an advanced state of composition.
  • VOL. IV – Metaphysica Ostensiva Specialis: Metaphysica Entis Creati (Specific Demonstrative Metaphysics: the Metaphysics of Created Being; c.1935-40)^[4] – Again, this writing, intended to be the fourth volume in a series of six forming the Summa Philosophiæ Aristotelico-Thomisticæ, was never completed. In its present form of preparation it is difficult to say what the complete final product would have been. The extant manuscript has parts that are compete and others that aren’t. Certainly, whole parts that would have been part of the final version have never been written. The whole manuscript is made up of 580 large folios.
  • VOL. V – Metaphysica Ostensiva Specialis: Metaphysica Entis Increati sive Theologia Naturalis seu Theodicea (Specific Demonstrative Metaphysics: the Metaphysics of Uncreated Being otherwise Natural Theology or Theodicy; c.1935-40)^[5]– Surprisingly, amongst the four incomplete manuscripts of Pirotta’s Summa Philosophiæ Aristotelico-Thomisticæ, this is the most complete. In fact, though it had to be the fifth volume of the series, the Metaphysica Ostensiva Specialis is practically all ready to go to the printers. It is a matter of speculation whether Pirotta actually intended to publish this fifth volume before the third and fourth. The manuscript is made up of 569 folios.
  • VOL. VI – Metaphysica Defensiva seu Critica (Explicative Metaphysics or Criteriology; c.1935-40)^[6] – This is most incomplete of Pirotta’s series of manuscripts related to his Summa Philosophiæ Aristotelico-Thomisticæ. The philosopher worked very little on it as a whole, though then segments of it are actually finalized. The entirety of the extant manuscript comprises a staggering 1260 large folios. However, due to its undeveloped state of composition it is practically impossible to imagine what the final shape of the work would have taken.

Commentaries

The commentaries would represent the main output for a Thomistic intellectual with which he really shows his mettle. Apart of Pirotta’s two published volumes that were part of his Summa Philosophiæ Aristotelico-Thomisticæ, published in 1931 and 1936 respectively, these commentaries―especially the first on the De Anima―were in fact the intellectual productions that effectively brought Pirotta most renown.

• Commentarium De Anima ([Aquinas’] Commentary on [Aristotle’s] ‘On the Soul’; 1925) – This book in Latin, which contains 307 pages (excluding the thirteen preliminary pages enumerated with Roman numerals), was published with Marietti of Turin, Italy. Its whole title is: Sancti Thomæ Aquinatis Doctoris Angelici Ord. Præd. In Aristotelis Librum De Anima Commentarium (The Commentary of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelic Doctor of the Order of Preachers, on Aristotle’s Book On the Soul). The volume is dedicated to Mons. Angelo Portelli O.P., Malta’s then Auxiliary Bishop. The Dominican archive at Rabat, Malta, possesses the galley proofs for a new edition of the work,^[7] which, incidentally, was never published. Essentially, Pirotta’s work is a commentary on Aquinas’ exposition of Aristotle’s On the Soul.
• De Sensu et Sensato – De Memoria et Reminiscientia ([Aquinas’ Commentary on Aristotle’s] ‘On Sense and Sensibility’ [and] ‘On Memory and Remembrance’; 1928) – A book in Latin published with Marietti of Turin, Italy, that comprises nine preliminary pages with Roman enumeration, and a further 158 pages. Its whole title is: Sancti Thomæ Aquinatis Doctoris Angelici Ord. Præd. In Aristotelis Libros De Sensu et Sensato De Memoria et Reminiscentia Commentarium (The Commentary of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelic Doctor of the Order of Preachers, on Aristotle’s Books On Sense and Sensibility [and] On Memory and Remembrance). The book is dedicated to a certain Fortunato De Bono, a Maltese early teacher of Pirotta. Essentially, the writing is an interpretation of Aquinas’ exposition of Aristotle’s two works.
• Ethicorum Aristotelis ad Nichomachum ([Aquinas’ Exposition of] Aristotle’s ‘Nicomachean Ethics’; 1934) – This publication follows on the warm reception given to Pirotta’s two commentaries on Aquinas’s exposition of Aristotle’s On the Soul, and On Sense and On Memory. In the intervening years, Pirotta had also published his first volume of his Sum of Philosophy. This volume of 696 pages, excluding the twenty-four preliminary pages with Romon enumeration, was also published with Marietti of Turin, Italy. Its whole title reads: Sancti Thomæ Aquinatis Doctoris Angelici Ord. Præd. In Decem Libros Ethicorum Aristotelis ad Nicomachum Expositio (The Exposition of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Angelic Doctor of the Order of Preachers, on the Ten Books of Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics). The book is dedicated to Fr. M. S. Gillet O.P., the Master General of the Dominicans.
• In Octo Libri De Physico Auditu sive Physicorum Aristotelis Commentaria ([Aquinas’] Eight Books on [Aristotle’s] ‘Physics’ or [Aquinas’] Commentary of Aristotle’s ‘Physics’; 1953) – This is the last of Pirotta’s major contributions to scholastic philosophy, published barely three years before his death. The study, obviously in Latin, is made up of 658 pages, and was published by M. D’Auria Pontificius Editor of Naples, Italy. The book is divided into eight books, and then into lectures (lectio). The first and second Books contain fifteen lectures each; the third, two less; the fourth, twenty-three; the fifth, ten; the sixth, another thirteen; the seventh, just nine; and the eighth, twenty-three. Basically, Pirotta’s work is a commentary on Aquinas’ exposition of Aritotle’s Physics.

Articles

Unlike the commentaries, these articles take up some point or aspect of a particular theme on which Pirotta expands upon. With the exception of the very early ones, published by Pirotta when still at the beginning of his career, the rest are master works that would have been minutely scrutinized by the editorial boards concerned before publication, and furthermore exposed Pirotta’s intellect to a wide readership within international Thomistic academic circles. After publication, almost all of these articles had been subsequently distributed as separate extracts.

• ‘L’Arma taghna’ (Our weapon; 1918; signed only as Fr. A.P. o.p.)^[8]
• ‘Is-seba’ viaggi dulurusi ta Sidna Gesù Cristu’ (The seven sorrowful walks of Our Lord Jesus Christ; 1919)^[9] - Edited and republished in 2012 by Joseph Vassallo^[10]
• ‘Dialogu fuk it-tghallim nisrani’ (A dialogue on Christian teaching; 1920-21)^[11]
• ‘Zamboni, Kant et S. Thomas’ (Zamboni, Kant and St. Thomas [Aquinas]; 1925)^[12]
• ‘De unione immediata animæ rationalis ut talis cum corpore’ (On the immediate union of the rational soul as such with the body; 1925)^[13]
• ‘De dualismo transcendentali in philosophia S. Thomæ’ (On transcendental dualism in the philosophy of St. Thomas [Aquinas]; 1925-28)^[14]
• ‘Ulterior explanatio doctrinæ de anima humana ut forma substatiali corporis’ (Further explanation on the doctrine of the human soul as a substantial form of the body; 1926)^[15]
• ‘De metaphysicæ defensivæ natura secundum doctrinam aristotelico-thomisticam’ (On the nature of explicative metaphysics according to Aristotelico-Thomistic teaching; 1927)^[16]
• ‘De Trascendentalitate Summæ Theologicæ S. Thomæ’ (On transcendentality in the ‘Sum of Theology’ of St. Thomas [Aquinas]; 1928)^[17]
• ‘De methodologia theologiæ scholasticæ’ (On the methodology of scholastic theology; 1929)^[18]
• ‘Disputatio de potentia obedientiali iuxta thomisticam doctrinam’ (Argument on the submission of potency according to Thomistic teachings; 1929-30)^[19]
• ‘De vitæ genesi’ (On the origin of life; 1932)^[20]
• ‘De philogenesi’ (On the impulse towards generation [or Philogenesis]; 1934)^[21]
• ‘Escatelogiæ seu Eudæmonologiæ creaturæ intellectualis lineamenta iuxta Cajetani doctrinam’ (Eschatology or A Review of Cajetan’s Doctrine of the Eudemonology of Intellectual Beings; 1935)^[22]
• ‘De sacerdotii dignitate’ (On the dignity of the priest; 1947)^[23]

Scientific reviews

The following reviews, though interesting in themselves, contain little philosophical value. What they do attest to is the standing Pirotta enjoyed with the various editors of the respective scientific journals who had valued Pirotta’s proficiency enough so as to consider him an academic and intellectual worthy of passing authoritative judgement on the writings of other reputed Thomists. Pirotta does not disappoint. He showers praise when earned, but certainly does not shy away from lashing out when warranted.

• The 1923 editions of Filosofia Neo-Scolastica – Milan (1923)^[24]
• Mons. F. Olgiati, L’Anima di S. Tommaso (The Soul of St. Thomas [Aquinas]; 1924)^[25]
• The 1924 editions of Scientia – Bologna (1924)^[26]
• The 1924 edition of Scientia – Bologna (1925)^[27]
• The 1924-25 editions of Divus Thomas - Piacenza (1926)^[28]
• The 1925 editions of Filosofia Neo-Scolastica – Milan (1926)^[29]
• Two volumes of La Scuola Cattolica – Milan (1926)^[30]
• The 1926 editions of Divus Thomas – Piacenza (1927)^[31]
• The 1926 editions of Logos – Naples (1927)^[32]
• M. Cordovani O.P., Il Rivelatore (1927)^[33]
• Mons. J. Bittremieux, De Mediatione Universali B.M. Virginis quoad gratias (The Grace [received] through the Universal Mediation of the Bl. Virgin Mary; 1927)^[34]
• E. Chiochetti, 2nd ed. of La Filosofia di Giovanni Gentile (The Philosophy of Giovanni Gentile; 1928)^[35]
• G. B. Phelan, Feeling Experience and its Modalities (1928)^[36]
• C. Petroccia, Lux et Pax in Synthesi Dogmatica (Light and Peace in a Dogmatic Key; 1928)^[37]
• Mons. J. Van der Meersch, Tractatus de Deo Uno et Trino (Treatise on the One and Triune God; 1929)^[38]
• J. Maréchal S.J., 2nd ed. of Le Point de Départ de la Métaphysique (The Starting Point of Metaphysics; 1929)^[39]
• R. Jolivet, La Notion de Substance (The Notion of Substance; 1930)^[40]
• Mons. J. Bittremieux, Doctrina Mariana Leonis XIII (The Marian doctrine of [Pope] Leo XIII 1930)^[41]

Manuscripts

Pirotta’s manuscripts are invaluable documents, as they attest to his background operational activities, and moreover to the keenness and responsibility with which he undertook any commitment, especially those of a philosophical nature. Most of the following texts are incomplete, as Pirotta had not as yet given them their final finishing. To some he surely intended to add on other material. Nonetheless, even as they stand, these documents can be taken as reliable attestations to Pirotta’s proficiency of labour, and intensity of thought.

• De Persona seu Supposito (On the Person or the [Whole] Subject; 1921)^[42]
• Introductio in Totam Philosophiam seu Prælectiones Philosophicæ Aristotelico-Thomisticæ (An Introduction to the Whole of [Aristotelico-Thomistic] Philosophy or An Explanation of Aristotelico-Thomistic Philosophy; c.1921)^[43]
• Historia Philosophiæ (History of Philosophy; 1921-25)^[44]
• Logica Formalis (Formal Logic; 1922)^[45]
• Logica Materialis (Material Logic; 1922)^[46]
• De Anima Vegetativa (On the Vegetative Soul; 1922)^[47]
• De Anima Sensitiva (On the Sensitive Soul; 1922)^[48]
• De Anima Intellectiva (On the Intellectual Soul; 1922-23)^[49]
• De Potentia Appetitiva Intellectus (On the Appetitive Power of Intellect; 1923)^[50]
• Philosophia Entis ut Ens seu Metaphysica ([The] Philosophy on Being as Being or Metaphysics; 1923)^[51]
• Lezioni di Fisiologia Anatomica (Lectures on Anatomic Physiology; 1923)^[52]
• Philosophia Naturalis (Natural Philosophy; 1924)^[53]
• Apologetica (Apologetics; 1926)^[54]
• Commentaria (Commentaries; c.1935-40)^[55]
• De Idealismo Schellinghii (On Schelling’s Idealism; c.1935-40)^[56]
• Hegelii Impugnatio (Hegel Contested; c.1935-40)^[57]
• De Solipsismo (On Solipsism; c.1935-40)^[58]
• De Problemate Criteriologico (On Criteriological Problems; c.1935-40)^[59]
• Lectures on Bio-Physiological Science (1940)^[60]
• Notæ circa Libertatis Naturam (Notes about the Nature of Freedom; undated)^[61]
• De Natura Ideæ (On the Nature of Ideas; undated)^[62]
• De Cognitione Singularis Materialis (On the Perception of Individual Matter; undated)^[63]
• Ricetti (Recipes; undated)^[64]
• Modern and Classical Latin Grammar (c.1946-56)^[65]
• ‘The Melita English Grammar Book’ (c.1949/50)^[66]

Philosophical notes

The following list of notes are working annotations prepared by Pirotta for various publications, academic talks, or lectures, over an extended period of time. All of them are undated. Some of them had been grouped by Pirotta under the title ‘Studia Philosophica’ (Philosophical Studies). Their philosophical interest is not to be undervalued. While some of the documents hereunder are full written drafts, others are just elaborate schemes of branches of Aristotelico-Thomistic philosophy.

• Notulæ in Tractationem “De Fide” (Annotations on Aquinas’ Tract ‘On Faith’; undated)^[67]
• Notæ quæ “Naturam Divinam” respiciunt (Notes on the knowability of the ‘Divine Nature’; undated)^[68]
• Quæstiones Diversæ circa naturam metaphysicam Gratiæ et aliarum entium Ordinis Supernaturalis (Diverse enquiries about the metaphysical nature of Grace and other [enquiries] about the supernatural order of things; undated)^[69]
• De Dualismo Transcendentali in philosophia S. Thomæ (On Tanscendental Dualism in the philosophy of St. Thomas [Aquinas];undated)^[70]
• De Interpretatione Opusculi S. Thomæ “De Ente et Essentia” (On the interpretation on St. Thomas [Aqinas’] tract ‘On Being and Essence’; undated)^[71]
• De Intuitione (On intuition; undated)^[72]
• De Abstractione (On abstraction; undated)^[73]
• De Cognitione Entis (On the understanding of being; undated)^[74]
• Quædam certa præsupponenda ad probl. criticum (Research concerning some beliefs about the criteriological problem; undated)^[75]
• De Veritate Formali (On formal truth; undated)^[76]
• Introductio ad Art. II de statibus mentis circa Veritatem (Introduction on Article II about the mental state in relation to truth; undated)^[77]
• De Positione Problematis Criticæ Fundamentalis (On the state of the enquiry concerning fundamental criteriology; undated)^[78]
• De Existentialismo (On existentialism; undated)^[79]
• Bellum ([On] war; undated)^[80]
• Introductio Philosophiæ Moralis seu Ethicæ (Introduction to moral philosophy or ethics; undated)^[81]
• Explicationes Diversarum Notionum Metaphysicarum (Various clarifications on the notion of metaphysics; undated)^[82]
• Quæstio “De Subiecto Metaphyicæ” (Enquiry on the subject of metaphysics; undated)^[83]
• Quæstiunculæ Philosophicæ (Minor philosophical enquiries; undated)^[84]
• De Obiecto seu Subiecto adæquato Metaphysicæ (On the acceptable object or subject of metaphysics; undated)^[85]
• Circa ipsius Esse naturam: Quæstiones Selectæ (About the same being of nature: Selected enquiries; undated)^[86]
• De Æternitate Mundi secundum opera S. Thomæ (On the world’s eternity according to the teaching of St. Thomas [Aquinas]; undated)^[87]
• Logica Formalis (Formal Logic; undated)^[88]
• De Logica euisque divisione – De Semplice Apprehensione (On Logic and on its division – On Simple Apprehension; undated)^[89]
• De Definitione Philosophiæ eiusque Causis (On the Definition of Philosophy and of Causes; undated)^[90]
• De Divisione Philosophiæ (On the Division of Philosophy; undated)^[91]
• Schemata Logicæ (Schemes [concerning] Logic; undated)^[92]
• Logica materialis – Philosophia Naturalis (Material Logic – Natural Philosophy; undated)^[93]
• Schemata Philosophia Naturalis (Schemes for Natural Philosophy; undated)^[94]
• De Genetismo et distintione Viventium (On Genetics and the distinction of Life; undated)^[95]
• De Objecto Psychologiæ – De Existentia Animæ – De Essentia Vitæ (On the Object of Psychology – On the existence of the Soul – On the Essence of Life; undated)^[96]
• De Cognitione Animæ (On the Perception of the Soul; undated)^[97]
• Vita secundum Conceptum Philosophicum (Life according to the Philosophical Concept; undated)^[98]
• Storia di Filosofia dell’Epoca Pagana (History of Philosophy in the Pagan Era; undated)^[99]
• Schemata Kanti (Schemes [concerning] Kant; undated)^[100]
• De Obiecto Intellectus (On the Object of the Intellect; undated)^[101]
• De distinctione potentiarum ab essentia Animæ (On the distinction between potency and essence in the Soul; undated)^[102]
• (Schemata) De Infinito ([Schemes] On the Infinite; undated)^[103]
• (Schemata) De Moto et Locus et al. ([Schemes] On Motion and Space and others; undated)^[104]
• (Schemata) Difficultates contra Veracitatem Sensuum Externorum ([Schemes] [concerning] Difficulties against the Truth of Exterior Senses; undated)^[105]
• (Schemata) Genesis Psychologica actus intellectus ([Schemes] [concerning] The Psychological Origin of the intellectual act; undated)^[106]

Academic talks

The following written texts are full transcripts of talks read by Pirotta on various occasions at the several academic institutes, both in Malta and in Italy, that he was part of. None of them have ever been published.

• Circulus Philosophicus – Realismus Aristotelico-Thomisticus (Philosophical Circle – Aristotelian-Thomistic Realism; probably at Viterbo, Italy; 1922)^[107]
• Circulus Philosophicus – Abiogenesis physice (Philosophical Circle – Aristotelian-Thomistic Realism; probably at Viterbo, Italy; 1922)^[108]
• De Anima Vegetativa (On Vegetative Life; undated)^[109]
• Oratio Inauguralis Anni Scholastici 1927-28 – “De Methodologia Scientifico-Theologica” (Inaugural Talk [for the] Scholastic Year 1927-28 – On the Scientific-Theological Method; Rabat, Malta; 1927)^[110]
• Discorso pronunziato nella accademia celebrata in onore del Dottor Aug. S. Tommaso d’Aq. (Talk read during the academic soirée kept in honour of the Eminent Doctor St. Thomas Aquinas; Rabat, Malta; 1929)^[111]
• Parole d’Introduzione fatte nell’Accademia festeggiata per la prima volta nel Collegio di Barra in onore di S. Tommaso (Introductory talk at the Academic Soirée kept for the first time at the College at Barra in honour of St. Thomas [Aquinas]; Barra (Naples), Italy; 1932)^[112]
• Introduzione inaugurale per l’anno scolastico 1936-1937 (Inaugural introduction for the scholastic year 1936-37; Rabat, Malta; 1936)^[113]
• Discorsetto inaugurale per la Festa Accademica di S. Tommaso d’Aquino (Inaugural talk for the Academic Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas; Rabat, Malta; 1936)^[114]
• Parole di Saluto per l’Accademia di S. Tommaso (Welcome talk at the Academic Soirée of St. Thomas [Aquinas]; Rabat, Malta; 1937)^[115]
• Parole Introduttive alla Festa Accadmica – “S. Tom. D’Aquino” (Introductory talk at the Academic Soirée – St. Thomas Aquinas; Rabat, Malta; 1938)^[116]

Sermons

The following texts are the extant sermons that Pirotta read during his pastoral work. All of them have been probably delivered in Malta, even the Italian ones. Roughly speaking, the Italian orations would have been read to diocesan priests or members of religious orders, and the Maltese ones to the general faithful. Though most of them do not contain any philosophical interest, some of them do bear witness to Pirotta’s philosophical type of mind, even when treating spiritual or religious matters.

In Italian

Pirotta’s extant sermons in Italian are all collected at the Dominican archives at Rabat, Malta. Most of the titles are Pirotta’s own.

• Domenica Ia d’Avvento – Conoscere Gesù Christo (1st Sunday of Advent – Knowing Jesus Christ; 1937)^[117]
• Domenica 2a d’Avvento – Amare Gesù Christo (2nd Senday of Advent – Loving Jesus Christ; 1937)^[118]
• Domenica 3a d’Avvento – Seguire ed imitare Gesù Christo (3rd Sunday of Advent – Following and imitating Jesus Christ; 1937)^[119]
• Domenica 4a d’Avvento – Preparare a ricevere degnamente Gesù Christo (4th Sunday of Advent – Preparing to receive worthily Jesus Christ; 1937)^[120]
• Giorno Io, Predica Ia – Il valore dell’anima umana (1st Day, 1st Oration – The value of the human soul; undated)^[121]
• Giorno IIo, Predica IIa – Il peccato mortale (2nd Day, 2nd Oration – Mortal sin; undated)^[122]
• Giorno IIIa, Predica IIIa – L’iniettatore micidiale del male: Il mondo (3rd Day, 3rd Oration – The deadly originator of evil: The world; undated)^[123]
• Giorno IVo, Predica IVa – Il formaco del peccato: La confessione (4th Day, 4th Oration – The remedy of sin: Confession; undated)^[124]
• Giorno Vo, Predica Va – Pratica ed esercizio delle opere buone (5th Day, 5th Oration – The use and exercise of good works; undated)^[125]
• Giorno VIo, Predica VIa – I doveri professionali del proprio stato (6th Day, 6th Oration – The professional duties of one’s state; undated)^[126]
• Giorno VIIo, Predia VIIa – L’apostolato laico (7th Day, 7th Oration – Lay apostolate; undated)^[127]
• Panegirico di San Tommaso (Laudatory discourse [in honour] of St. Thomas [Aquinas]; undated)^[128]
• Panegirico di San Publio Vescovo e Martire (Laudatory discourse [in honour] of St. Publius Bishop and Martyr; Floriana, Malta; 23 April 1939)^[129]
• Panegirico della Conversione di San Paolo Appostolo (Laudatory discourse [in honour] of St. Paul the Apostle; Mdina Cathedral, Malta; 25 January 1940)^[130]
• Predica di Maria SS. Desolata (Oration on the Blessed Mary of Sorrows; Valletta, Onorati; Good Friday, 15 April 1949)^[131]
• Discorso per l’Ultimo Giorno dell’Anno (Talk on New Year’s Eve; 1938)^[132]
• Conferenze rinnovazione dell Profesione Religiosa (Talks [on the occasion of the] renewal of Religious Vows; undated)^[133]
• Panegirico del S. Patriarca Domenico (Laudatory discourse [in honour] of the Patriarch St. Dominic; Porto Salvo, Valletta, Malta; 4 August 1939)^[134]
• San Tommaso d’Aquino (St. Thomas Aquinas; La Quercia, Viterbo, Italy; 7 May 1924)^[135]
• Sermoni Suore Domenicane ([Seven] Sermons to Dominican Nuns; undated)^[136]

In Maltese

Pirotta’s extant sermons in Maltese are collected in separate groups of manuscripts (as indicated). They are all kept at the Dominican archives at Rabat, Malta. The titles are generally Pirotta’s own.

• Relazioni fuk iz-Zwieg “Mixtæ Religionis” (Report on mixed marriages; 1913?)^[137] – Presented at the Eucharistic Congress of the diocese of Malta at Floriana and Sliema.
• Panegirico di Maria Assunta in Cielo (Laudatory discourse [in honour] of the Assumption of [the Blessed] Mary in Heaven; undated)^[138]
• Panegierku ta San Filep d’Agira (Laudatory discourse [in honour] of St. Philip of Hegira; undated)^[139]
• Panegierku ta Maria Bambina (Laudatory discourse [in honour] of the Birth of [the Blessed] Mary; undated)^[140]
• Panegierku Madonna tad Duttrina (Laudatory discourse [in honour] of Our Lady of Good Teaching; undated)^[141]
• Panegierku tal Kalb Imkaddsa ta’ Gesù (Laudatory discourse [in honour] of the Blessed Heart of Jesus; undated)^[142]
• Panegirico del SS.mo Nome di Gesù – L’eccellenza e le virtù del SS. Nome (Laudatory discourse [in honour] of the Most Holy Name of Jesus – The distinction and virtues of the Most Holy Name [of Jesus]; undated)^[143]
• Discorsetto nel Io Mistero Doloroso (Short talk on the 1st Mystery of Sorrow [of the rosary]; undated)^[144]
• Discorso nel IIIo e IVo Mistero Doloroso (Talk on the 3rd and 4th Mysteries of Sorrow [of the rosary]; undated)^[145]
• Fervorini f’Jum il Milied (Talk for Christmas Day; 1946?)^[146]
• Fervorini maghmul fl’Ewwel Quddiesa tal Milied (Talk read at the First Mass of Christmas Day; 1946)^[147]
• Diskorso Antiblasfemo (Talk against blasphemy; undated)^[148]
• Diskorsetto Antiblasfemo (Short talk against blasphemy; undated)^[149]
• Vangelo – Domenica IV Post Oct. Paschæ (Gospel – 4th Sunday after Easter; 1938)^[150]
• Vangelo – VIII Domenica P. O. Pent. (Gospel – 8th Sunday after Pentecost; 1938?)^[151]
• Vangelo – IX Domenica dopo Oct. Pent. (Gospel – 9th Sunday after Pentecost; 1938?)^[152]
• Vangelo – Domenica XXI P. O. P. (Gospel – 21st Sunday after Pentecost 1938?)^[153]
• Fervorino Eucharistico in occasione della festa di San Luigi Gonzaga (Eucharistic talk on the occasion of the feast of St. Louis Gonzaga; undated)^[154]
• Siegha ta Adorazzjoni (One hour adoration; undated)^[155]
• Panigierku tal Madonna tar Ruzarju (Laudatory discourse [in honour] of Our Lady of the Rosary; undated)^[156]
• Panigierku ta San Duminku (Laudatory discourse [in honour] of St. Dominic; undated)^[157]
• Priedki fuq il Patrijarka San Duminku – San Domenico e il suo Ordine (Orations on the Patriarch St. Dominic – St. Dominic and his Order; undated)^[158]
• Diskors ghall Ewwel Quddiesa Solenni ta’ Sacerdot gdid (Talk for the First Solemn Mass of a new Priest; undated)^[159]
• Prietca ta tielet misteru Glorioso (Oration on the 3rd Glorious mystery [of the rosary]; 1916)^[160]
• Prietca 4o – 5o Glorioso (Oration [on the] 4th [and] 5th Glorious [mystery [of the rosary]; 1916?)^[161]
• Ferrvorino Eucaristico (Eucharistic talk; undated)^[162]
• Irtir Spirituali: Primo Giorno – Eccellenza e prezzo dell’anima (Spiritual retreat: 1st Day – The distinction and worth of the soul; undated)^[163]
• Irtir Spirituali: Secondo Giorno – Dovere dell’anima verso Dio (Spiritual retreat: 2nd Day – The duties of the soul towards God; undated)^[164]
• Irtir Spirituali: Terzo Giorno – L’amore del prossimo (Spiritual retreat: 3rd Day – Love of neighbour; undated)^[165]
• Irtir Spirituali: Quarto Giorno (Spiritual retreat: 4th day; undated)^[166]
• Irtir Spirituali: Quinto Giorno (Spiritual retreat: 5th Day; undated)^[167]
• Irtir Spirituali: Sesto Giorno – Il sacrificio S. Messa (Spiritual retreat: 6th Day – The sacrifice of the Mass; undated)^[168]
• Irtir Spirituali: Ottavo ed Ultimo – La perseveranza Cristiana (Spiritual retreat: 8th and last – Christian perseverance; undated)^[169]
• Barka tas Salib fl ahhar tal Ezercizzi jew tal Irtir Spirituali (Blessing at the end of the [spiritual] Exercises or Spiritual Retreat; undated)^[170]
• Scheme di Conferenze Della Perfezione Religiosa o del Profitto Spirituale (Schemes for talks on the Fulfilment of Religious [life] or on Spiritual Rewards; undated)^[171]
• Skema ta Ezercizzi Spirituali (Scheme of Spiritual Exercises; undated)^[172]
• Diskors fuq is Sagrament tal Krar (Talk on the Sacrament of Confession; undated)^[173]
• Elogiu Funebri al meut tal Papa Piu XI (Talk for the memorial service of Pope Pius XI; 1939)^[174]

Appreciation

Pirotta was the last of major philosophers within the school of Scholasticism. With him, an era of Scholastics, extending back to the latter part of the 16th century, starting with John Matthew Rispoli, came to an end. Today, as philosophy took new shapes and adopted different language-forms, Pirotta might appear almost incomprehensible in his world-view and philosophical method. This is further intensified his consistent use of Latin, a language very few still remember how to use or read.

Though a great speculative thinker, it is somewhat difficult to gauge Pirotta’s originality. Surely his lack of concrete commitment with things social and political, as any old-time, first division scholastic would be, today makes him suspect of a certain lack of concern for world affairs as for the fate of humans. However, the scholastics had another way of understanding what philosophical service to humankind should be. Arguably, they sought to enlighten the highest (or most profound) aspects of reason, there where the quality of life might be improved and perfected.

Much work is still needed to continue discovering the wealth which philosophers of the calibre of Pirotta possessed.

See also

• Philosophy in Malta

References

1. Mark Montebello, Il-Ktieb tal-Filosofija f’Malta (A Source Book of Philosophy in Malta), PIN Publications, Malta, 2001, Vol. II, pp. 50-51.
2. All biographical information is reproduced from Mark Montebello’s Angelo Pirotta: A Maltese philosopher of the first water, Maltese Dominican Province, Malta, 2006, with full permission of the copyright holders.
3. ADR, MSS. A164##1 u 2.
4. ADR, MSS. A165##1 and 2.
5. ADR, MS. A166.
6. ADR, MS. A167#1, #2 u #3.
7. ADR, MS. A168.
8. Ir-Rusariu Imkaddes, Yr.7, 1-5.
9. Ir-Rusariu Imkaddes, Yr.8, 256-260, 266-279.
10. Is-Seba' Mixjiet Imnikkta ta' Gesù, Pubblikazzjonijiet Dumnikani, Malta, 72 pp.
11. Ir-Rusariu Imkaddes, Yr.9, 126-128, 136-139, 165-168, 179-181, 201-204; Yr.10, 30-32, 89-92.
12. Divus Thomas (Fribourg), 3B, 1, 2, 185-204.
13. Divus Thomas (Piacenza), Ser.3, Yr.2, 329-338.
14. Divus Thomas (Piacenza), Ser.3, Yr.2, 517-535, Ser. 3, Yr.3, 210-258; Ser.3, Yr.4, 484-513; Ser.3, Yr.5, 449-479.
15. Angelicum, Yr.3, 278-298.
16. Angelicum, Yr.4, 252-270; 430-453
17. Ephemerides Theologicæ Lovanienses, Yr.5, Issue 1.
18. Ephemerides Theologicæ Lovanienses, Yr.6, Issue 3, 405-438.
19. Divus Thomas (Piacenza), Ser.3, Yr.6, 574-585; Ser.3, Yr.7, 129-148; Ser.3, Yr.7, 360-385; Ser.3, Yr.7, 560-575.
20. Divus Thomas (Piacenza), Ser.3, Yr.9, 271-234; republished in Scientia (Malta), 1935, 1, 16-35.
21. Divus Thomas (Piacenza), Ser.3, Yr.11, 437-468; 568-581.
22. Rivista di Filosofia Neo-Scolastika, 27.
23. Melita Theologica, 1, 1, 16- 34.
24. Divus Thomas (Fribourg), 3, 2, 1, 125-126.
25. Divus Thomas (Fribourg), 3, 2, 2, 366-367.
26. Divus Thomas (Fribourg), 3, 2, 3, 377-379.
27. Divus Thomas (Fribourg), 3, 3, 1, 108-110.
28. Angelicum, Yr.3, 318-320.
29. Angelicum, Yr.3, 320-322.
30. Angelicum, Yr.3, 514-516.
31. Angelicum, Yr.4, 141-145.
32. Angelicum, Yr.4, 145-148.
33. Angelicum, Yr.4, 300-302.
34. Divus Thomas (Piacenza), 30, 1, 177-180.
35. Ephemerides Theologicæ Lovanienes, Yr.5, Issue 2, 472-473.
36. Ephemerides Theologicæ Lovanienes, Yr.5, Issue 2, 473-474.
37. Divus Thomas (Piacenza), 31, 3, 516-518.
38. Divus Thomas (Piacenza), Ser.3, Yr.6, 309-312.
39. Ephemerides Theologicæ Lovanienes, Yr.6, Issue 2, 281-282.
40. Ephemerides Theologicæ Lovanienes, 7, 4, 697-699.
41. Divus Thomas (Piacenza), Ser.3, Yr.7, 91-92.
42. ADR, MS. A207.
43. ADR, MS. A149.
44. ADR, MSS. A156-8.
45. ADR, MS. A150.
46. ADR, MS. A151.
47. ADR, MS. A152#1.
48. ADR, MS. A152#2.
49. ADR, MS. A153.
50. ADR, MS. A153.
51. ADR, MS. A154.
52. ADR, MS. A159#1.
53. ADR, MS. A155.
54. ADR, MS. A160.
55. ADR, MS. A169.
56. ADR, MS. A167/2#2/I.
57. ADR, MS. A167/2#2/II.
58. ADR, MS. A167/2#2/III.
59. ADR, MS. A167/4.
60. ADR, MS. A159#2.
61. ADR, MS. A170/1#4.
62. DAR, MS. A170/1#6.
63. ADR, MS. A170/1#8.
64. Family Pirotta Collection.
65. Family Pirotta Collection.
66. Family Pirotta Collection.
67. ADR, MS. A171#1.
68. ADR, MS. A171#2.
69. ADR, MS. A171#3.
70. ADR, MS. A170/1##1-3.
71. ADR, MS. A170/1#5.
72. ADR, MS. A170/1#7.
73. ADR, MS. A170/1#9.
74. ADR, MS. A170/1#10.
75. ADR, MS. A170/1#11.
76. ADR, MS. A170/1#12.
77. ADR, MS. A170/1#13.
78. ADR, MS. A170/1#14.
79. ADR, MS. A170/1#15.
80. ADR, MS. A170/1#16.
81. ADR, MS. A170/1#17.
82. ADR, MS. A170/2#1.
83. ADR, MS. A170/2#2.
84. ADR, MS. A170/2#3.
85. ADR, MS. A170/2#4.
86. ADR, MS. A170/2#5.
87. ADR, MS. A170/2#6.
88. ADR, MS. A170/3#1.
89. ADR, MS. A170/3#2.
90. ADR, MS. A170/3#3.
91. ADR, MS. A170/3#4.
92. ADR, MS. A170/3#5.
93. ADR, MS. A170/3#6(1).
94. ADR, MS. A170/3#6(2).
95. ADR, MS. A170/3#7(1).
96. ADR, MS. A170/3#9(1).
97. ADR, MS. A170/3#9(2).
98. ADR, MS. A170/3#10.
99. ADR, MS. A170/3#11.
100. ADR, MS. A170/3#12.
101. ADR, MS. A170/3#14.
102. ADR, MS. A170/3#15.
103. ADR, MS. A170/3#16.
104. ADR, MS. A170/3#17.
105. ADR, MS. A170/3#18.
106. ADR, MS. A170/3#19.
107. ADR, MS. A170/3#13.
108. ADR, MS. A170/3#7(2).
109. ADR, MS. A170/3#8.
110. ADR, MS. A172#2.
111. ADR, MS. A172#7.
112. ADR, MS. A172#8.
113. ADR, MS. A172#3.
114. ADR, MS. A172#4.
115. ADR, MS. A172#5.
116. ADR, MS. A172#6.
117. ADR, MS. A161#1.
118. ADR, MS. A161#2.
119. ADR, MS. A161#3.
120. ADR, MS. A161#4.
121. ADR, MS. A161#5.
122. ADR, MS. A161#6.
123. ADR, MS. A161#7.
124. ADR, MS. A161#8.
125. ADR, MS. A161#9.
126. ADR, MS. A161#10.
127. ADR, MS. A161#11.
128. ADR, MS. A161#12.
129. ADR, MS. A161#13.
130. ADR, MS. A161#14.
131. ADR, MS. A161#15.
132. ADR, MS. A161#16.
133. ADR, MS. A161#17.
134. ADR, MS. A161#18.
135. ADR, MS. A161#19.
136. ADR, MS. A161#20.
137. ADR, MS. A172#9.
138. ADR, MS. A162#1.
139. ADR, MS. A162#2.
140. ADR, MS. A162#3.
141. ADR, MS. A162#4.
142. ADR, MS. A162#5.
143. ADR, MS. A162#6.
144. ADR, MS. A162#7.
145. ADR, MS. A162#8.
146. ADR, MS. A162#9.
147. ADR, MS. A162#10.
148. ADR, MS. A162#11.
149. ADR, MS. A162#12.
150. ADR, MS. A162#13.
151. ADR, MS. A162#14.
152. ADR, MS. A162#15.
153. ADR, MS. A162#16.
154. ADR, MS. A162#17.
155. ADR, MS. A162#18.
156. ADR, MS. A162#19.
157. ADR, MS. A162#20.
158. ADR, MS. A162#21.
159. ADR, MS. A162#22.
160. ADR, MS. A162#23.
161. ADR, MS. A162#24.
162. ADR, MS. A162#25.
163. ADR, MS. A163#1.
164. ADR, MS. A163#2.
165. ADR, MS. A163#3.
166. ADR, MS. A163#4.
167. ADR, MS. A163#5.
168. ADR, MS. A163#6.
169. ADR, MS. A163#7.
170. ADR, MS. A163#8.
171. ADR, MS. A163#9.
172. ADR, MS. A163#10.
173. ADR, MS. A163#11.
174. ADR, MS. A172#1.

Sources

• Mark Montebello, Il-Ktieb tal-Filosofija f’Malta (A Source Book of Philosophy in Malta), PIN Publications, Malta, 2001.
• Mark Montebello, Angelo Pirotta: A Maltese philosopher of the first water, Maltese Dominican Province, Malta, 2006.