William
Occam was a 14th century Franciscan monk that defied Pope John XXII
by proclaiming ecclesiastical poverty was dictated by the Bible. He also argued that religious beliefs and doctrines
could not displace logic and science. His outspoken beliefs resulted in charges of
heresy and he was imprisoned and tortured until he recanted.
William
Occam was one of the most pivotal people responsible for moving the world from
the Dark Ages of Christian imposed ignorance into an era of science and logic
resulting in the technological advances of civilization to date.
He is perhaps
best known for Occam’s Razor stating: Entities must not be unnecessarily multiplied
- or – the simplest explanation from
known facts is the best.
William
Occam was presented as the Sherlock Holmes of the 14 century in the novel The
Name of the Rose, by Umberto Eco.
The American
novel is a translation from Italian.
This is one of the cases where the movie, starring Sean Connery is
an excellent substitute.
The Name of the Rose is a riveting
murder mystery taking place in a 14th century monastery and
intertwined with the drama of religious inquisition.
