William of Ockham
English Franciscan philosopher whose principle of parsimony—Ockham's Razor—remains the most quoted methodological rule in science and philosophy. His nominalism denied the existence of universals, shaping the empiricist tradition. He was excommunicated for opposing papal authority.
Works
- Summa LogicaeMedieval logic treatise exploring propositions, terms, and semantic meaning
- Quodlibetal QuestionsCollection of theological disputed questions on essence, universals, faith
- DialoguePolitical dialogue defending imperial authority against papal supremacy
- Work of Ninety DaysCritique of papal power and ecclesiastical authority in governance
- Eight Questions on the Power of the PopeExamination of the pope's temporal and spiritual power limits