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William of Ockham

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Philosopher

The Resume

    (circa 1280-April 10, 1349)
    Wrote extensively on metaphysics, logic and theology
    Famous for 'Ockham's Razor,' which states that all things being equal, the simplest explanation is usually the correct one

Why he might be annoying:

    There is no logical reason to adopt Ockham's Razor, and it is usually used simply for aesthetic reasons.
    He got into trouble when he argued that all members of the church should live in a state of absolute poverty.
    He was excommunicated in December of 1328 and had to flee to Bavaria to protect himself.
    He was banned from ever returning to Oxford.
    His extreme nominalism (the belief that universals are unreal) results in a number of difficulties.
    He believed that causation proved God's existence and strongly supported the dogma of original sin.

Why he might not be annoying:

    At one point, he held the title of 'doctor invincibilis.'
    His influence can be felt in philosophers like W. V. O. Quine and scientists like Carl Sagan.
    He was a student of Duns Scotus.
    He argued for secular authority over non-Church affairs.
    He was one of the leading logicians of his day and was one of the first to explore the notion of three-valued logic.
    He recognized that most of his religious beliefs could not be proven through logic.

Credit: Nihilism Cynicism Sarcasm Orgasm


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 15 Votes: 80.0% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 9 Votes: 22.22% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 3 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 10 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 14 Votes: 42.86% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 10 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 10 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 10 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 26 Votes: 57.69% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 20 Votes: 55.00% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 25 Votes: 56.00% Annoying
    In 2007, Out of 109 Votes: 46.79% Annoying
    In 2006, Out of 107 Votes: 49.53% Annoying
    In 2005, Out of 217 Votes: 47.47% Annoying
    In 2004, Out of 237 Votes: 49.37% Annoying
    In 2003, Out of 142 Votes: 41.55% Annoying