Overview
Peter Abelard
(1079—1142) French scholar, theologian, and philosopher
Quick Reference
(1079–1142)
French scholar, theologian, and philosopher. His independence of mind brought him into frequent conflict with the authorities and led to his being twice condemned for heresy. He lectured in Paris until 1118. While in Paris he began a tragic love affair with one of his pupils, Héloïse, who was a niece of Fulbert, a canon of Notre‐Dame. At Fulbert's instigation Abelard was subsequently castrated. Abelard then entered a monastery and made Héloïse become a nun. Abelard continued his controversial teaching, applying reason to questions of faith, notably to the doctrine of the Trinity. In the early 1130s he and Héloïse put together a collection of their love letters and other correspondence, which was published in 1616. Abelard and Héloïse are buried together in Paris.
Subjects: Archaeology — Art & Architecture — Classical studies — History — Linguistics — Literature — Media studies — Music — Performing arts — Philosophy — Religion — Society and culture
