William of Ockham

Born around 1287 in a Surrey village, William of Ockham joined the Franciscans and built a career in scholastic philosophy that made him a lightning rod. His works on logic, physics, and theology put him at the center of the 14th century's fiercest intellectual and political fights. Fifteenth-century nominalists claimed him as a founder of their movement, drawn to his willingness to strip metaphysics down to what could be defended. He died in April 1347, likely a plague victim, but the methodological principle that carries his name outlasted every controversy he ever touched.