Peter Abelard
Peter Abelard was born in Le Pallet, an area east of Nantes in the Duchy of Brittany. He was the son of a minor noble French family. His father was a knight named Berenger. Although his family had many members who excelled in the art of dialectic, Abelard chose an academic path over a military one.
Theologia
Abelard's Theologia focuses on the nature of the human spirit. It describes the relationship between God and man and is associated with the school of Chartres. The works of this school make creative use of the poetic qualities of Biblical texts and are concerned with the relationship between God, Man, and Nature. The integementum is the interpretive device that is central to this school's philosophy.
Historia suarum calamitatum
The Historia suarum calamit atum by Peter Abelard is a fascinating work of literature that is reminiscent of a letter. It is a kind of autobiography that evokes Augustine's Confessions, but is a much more readable document. It presents a remarkable self-portrait, and it is a fascinating look at Paris intellectual life before the formalization of the university. In addition, it is a love story.
Sic et non
Sic et non is an early scholastic text that juxtaposes contradictory quotations from Church Fathers. This book was written by the French thinker Peter Abelard.
Heloise
In his writings, Peter Abelard makes a number of controversial decisions. After becoming a monk, he makes an important decision that forces Heloise to enter a convent. Heloise had few options when her husband entered the monastery. She could have remained with Fulbert or moved to Brittany to join the family of Abelard. Alternatively, she could have divorced Fulbert and remarried a non-intellectual. However, it is important to note that entering religious order was a common career move during the twelfth century, and Heloise was no exception.
Impeachment
Peter Abelard was an extraordinary man who championed the use of reason in matters of faith. He established the modern field of theology. His systematic treatment of religious doctrines is known for its philosophical penetration and audacity. His great intellect and wit earned him the admiration of his contemporaries, who considered him to be larger than life. Abelard is said to have never lost an argument and had a perfect memory.
Autobiography
One of the most famous works by the French theologian, philosopher, and poet, Peter Abelard, is his autobiography. Titled "Historia Calamitatum," it is a frank account of Abelard's rise to fame and fall. Written in the form of a letter addressed to a friend, Historia Calamitatum recounts Abelard's life and career. The autobiography also includes details of Abelard's relationship with his nun Heloise, and theological issues that they discussed in her nunnery.
Heloise's seduction by a man in his thirties
Peter Abelard first met Heloise at Ils de Cite, where she lived with her uncle Fulbert. She was a bright scholar, and Abelard offered to teach her. Their relationship was secretive, as both men wanted to protect their reputations. Heloise later gave birth to a son named Astrolabe. Abelard married her in secret, and Heloise later entered a convent in Argenteuil.
His opposition to Bernard
In the 1130s, Bernard's opposition to Abelard was centered around his opposition to Abelard's teachings of the Trinity. Bernard claimed that Abelard had questioned the authority of Scripture and was trying to revive false ideas. Bernard was frustrated with Abelard's arrogance and insistence on giving reasons for everything. Bernard even labeled Abelard as a heathen.
