Simon Ings

The great disrupter: how William of Occam overturned medieval thought

In his efforts to demolish the entire edifice of medieval philosophy, the friar from Surrey gave birth to the idea of modern science, says Johnjoe McFadden

Sketch of William of Occam c.1341. [Alamy]
  • Comments

  • Life is Simple: How Occam’s Razor Sets Science Free and Shapes the Universe

    Johnjoe McFadden

    Basic Books, pp. 384, £25

Already a subscriber? Log in

This article is for subscribers only

Subscribe today to get 3 months' delivery of the magazine, as well as online and app access, for only £3.

  • Weekly delivery of the magazine
  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828

Read next

Trending

Steerpike

Starmer’s friend revealed to be Mauritius’ chief legal adviser

Steerpike
There was national outrage this morning at the news that Sir Keir’s Labour has decided to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius – but perhaps Brits shouldn’t be so shocked by Starmer’s move. It transpires that the Prime Minister is friends with Philippe Sands KC, who also happens to be Mauritius’ chief legal

Because you read about aristotle

Also by Simon Ings

Latest

Comments

Join the debate for just £1 a month

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.

Already a subscriber? Log in