Louis J. A. Mercier Papers 2

Louis Joseph Alexandre Mercier was a teacher, lecturer, and philosopher of education. Born in Le Mans, France, on June 19, 1880, he came with his family to Chicago in 1890, in part to escape the growing interference of the French State's religious education. Mercier attended parochial school in Chicago until he was admitted to the High School of St. Ignatius College (later, Loyola University) in 1893. He also earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from St. Ignatius, the latter in 1902. His education also included a Fellowship at the University of Chicago, and course work at Columbia University.

Mercier's teaching career began at St. Ignatius College, where he was an instructor in French from 1900 to 1903, and in 1905. Mercier's great interest in the philosophy of education probably had its beginnings during the period 1906 to 1910, as a French teacher at the Francis Parker School in Chicago. This progressive school had the philosopher John Dewey as an advisor, and was dedicated to the formation of character and social consciousness in its students.

After a year as a French instructor at the University of Wisconsin, Mercier began a long association with Harvard University in 1911. In later years, he was honored for his public services with a number of honorary degrees including an LL.D. from Boston College.

After retirement from Harvard in 1946, Mercier came to Georgetown University as a professor of Comparative Philosophy and Literature. He became chairman of the Philosophy Department in 1952, after two years as Acting Chairman. Mercier died at his home in Chevy Chase, Maryland, on March 12, 1953.