Peter Abelard (1079-1142)

Major work

•          Sic et Non

Importance

•          Philosopher, theologian, and teacher

•          Pioneer of medieval scholasticism

•          Held to moral influence theory of the atonement

•          Held to moderate realism—universals are concepts in the mind that have an objective Reality derived from a process of mental abstraction

•          Said reason plays as large a role as revelation and tradition in determining truth

•          Known for his tragic love affair with Heloise