Peter Abelard was a French philosopher, poet, composer, and logician of the twelfth century. He was also known as a prominent theologian of the Middle Ages. He was born during 1079 and died during 1142. From a philosophical standpoint, he is considered the father of nominalism, a broad metaphysical system. Nominalism is a doctrine that suggests universals or general concepts are not rooted in reality. In alignment with this philosophy, Abelard suggested that only particulars exist, yet he didn't apply this concept to words. He authored a number of innovations and theories rooted in philosophy, logic, theology, and ethics. For example, he created a theory of moral responsibility tied to a person's intentions and connection to God. His most notable
