Editing Jaime Balmes (section)

== Biography ==
Balmes was born at [[Vic, Spain|Vic]], in the region of [[Catalonia]] in Spain and baptized the same day in the cathedral of that city with the name of Jaime Luciano Antonio. He died there as well.

In 1817, Balmes began his studies at the seminary in Vic: three years of Latin grammar, three of [[Rhetoric]] and, from 1822, three of Philosophy. In 1825, in [[Solsona, Lleida|Solsona]], he received the tonsure from the Bishop of this city, Manuel Benito Tabernero.

From 1825 to 1826, Balmes studied courses of Theology, also in Vic Seminary. He studied four courses of Theology, thanks to a scholarship, in the College of San Carlos at the [[University of Cervera]].

For two years in 1830, because of the closure of the University of Cervera, Balmes continued studying in Vic, on his own. On 8 June 1833 he received his degree in theology.

On 20 September 1834, in the chapel of the episcopal palace of Vic, Balmes was ordained a priest by bishop don Pablo de Jesús Corcuera. He continued his studies in theology and of Canons, again at the University of Cervera. Finally, in 1835, he received the title of Doctor of Theology and Bachelor of Canons.

Balmes then made several attempts to teach in an official way at the [[University of Barcelona]] and not get engaged for some time in Vic tutoring. Finally, the City Council appoints him, in 1837, Professor of Mathematics, a position that he held for four years. In 1839, his mother Teresa Urpiá, died. In 1841, he moved to [[Barcelona]].

Then, Balmes began his creative activity and contributed to various newspapers and magazines: ''Peace'', ''Catholic [[Madrid]]'', ''Civilization''; and several pamphlets that attract readers' attention.

From 1841, his creative genius "exploded" and he developed in a few highly active months his writings and his personality, that would be admired throughout Europe.

On 7 September 1844 he wrote and published "The true idea of value, or thoughts on the origin, the nature and variations of the prices" in which he solved the value paradox, clearly introducing the notion of marginal use, Balmes asked himself, "Why a precious stone has a higher value than a piece of bread?"<ref>James Balmes, "Verdadera idea valor o reflexiones sobre el origin, naturaleza y variedad de los precios", in ''Obra Completas'', vol. 5, Madrid, BAC, 1949, pp. 615–624</ref>

Having attacked the regent [[Espartero]], he was exiled. On his return, he founded and edited ''El Pensamiento de la Nación'', a [[Catholic]] and conservative weekly; however, his fame rests principally on ''El Protestantismo comparado con el Catolicismo en sus relaciones con la Civilización Europea'' (Protestantism and Catholicity compared in their Effects on the Civilization of Europe),<ref>3 vols., 1842–1844, 6th edition, 1879; English translation in 1849 and also in 1856 by [[Charles Ignatius White]].</ref> an able defence of [[Catholic]]ism on the ground that it represents the spirit of obedience or order, as opposed to [[Protestant]]ism, the spirit of revolt or [[Anarchism|anarchy]].<ref>{{EB1911|inline=1|wstitle=Balmès, Jaime Luciano|volume=3|page=284}}</ref> The book is often cited as a counter argument to historical accounts that focus on the reputed central role of the [[Protestant]] thought to the development of modern society.

According to the ''[[Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition]]:{{sfn|Chisholm|1911}}
:The best of his philosophical works, which are clear expositions of the scholastic system of thought, are the ''Filosofia Fundamental'' (Basic Philosophy),<ref>4 vols., 1846, Eng. trans. by H. F. Brownson, 2 vols. New York, 1856.</ref> and the ''Curso de Filosofia Elemental'' (A Course of Elementary Philosophy),<ref>4 vols., 1847</ref> which he translated into [[Latin]] for use in seminaries.

Balmes argued in favor of monarchy.<ref>''European Civilization: Protestantism and Catholicity Compared in their Effects on the Civilization of Europe'', Chapter LVIII: Monarchy in the Sixteenth Century</ref>

He died from tuberculosis in Vic in 1848.