Peter Abelard
1079 – 1142 French philosopher, theologian
The brilliant, tragic logician of medieval Paris.
- Religion
- Christian; a controversial teacher whose views were twice condemned by the Church.
- Affiliations
- Master of the Paris schools. No secret society.
Abelard sharpened medieval logic and applied reason boldly to theology, drawing condemnation from Church authorities. His doomed love affair with his student Heloise, preserved in their letters, is one of history's famous romances. His method of laying out conflicting authorities shaped scholastic teaching.