William of Ockham

William of Ockham

Medieval life and Times

Short Biography about the life of William of Ockham
The following biography, short history and interesting facts provide helpful information for history courses and history coursework about the life and history of William of Ockham a famous Medieval character of historical importance who lived during the Middle Ages:

Country of Origin / Nationality: English

Also Known as: William Occam
Lifetime: 1288 – 1348
Time Reference: Lived during the reigns of King Edward I, King Edward II and King Edward III
Born: He was born in 1288 in Ockham in Surrey
Childhood, early life and education: Taught by Franciscan Monks and then went to Oxford
Occupation and Career:
Died: William of Ockham died in Germany of the Black Death
Accomplishments and Achievements or why William of Ockham was famous: Franciscan friar and scholastic philosopher the author of many books
William of Ockham is regarded as the founder of a form of nominalism asserting that one could not know God through reason and rationality
Ockham's razor: The medieval rule of parsimony, or principle of economy, frequently used by Ockham came to be known as Ockham's razor - the simplest explanation to any problem is the best explanation
William of Ockham was accused of heresy in 1324 and fled to Germany where he spent the rest of his days living in abject poverty as required of a Franciscan monk

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