Philosopher and founder of the Institute of Charity. Born on March 24, 1797 in Rovereto, Austrian Tyrol; died on July 1, 1855 in Stresa, Italy. He studied first at home, then at the University of Padua, being ordained, 1821; became Doctor of Canon Law and Theology, 1822; and later made extensive studies in philosophy. His works provoked much opposition. He taught that the human mind is endowed with an innate cognition, the single conception of ideal being, a mental form, a condition of knowledge and the light of reason. His ontology and natural theology and his Trattato della Coscienza were severely criticized and 40 of his propositions were condemned by the Congregation of the Inquisition in 1887. He has written a valuable work on education, Dell' Educazione Cristiana. The Institute of Charity owes its foundation to him.