William — The Forerunner of Modern Philosophy

The Man from Ockham

William (ca. 1287–ca. 1347) is often referred to as “Ockham” or “Occam.” He was born in the village of Ockham, England, but his name is William, so we will call him by his name. William was a Franciscan monk and a radical thinker for his time — so radical he was excommunicated by Pope John XXII. The Church was not concerned about William’s philosophy…