History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps HoP 271 - Do As You’re Told - Ockham on Ethics and Political Philosophy
Feb 12, 2017
Explore William of Ockham's views on freedom of action and thought. Delve into the hierarchical nature of medieval society and the tensions surrounding dissent. Learn about Occam's career and political philosophy, including his daring ideas challenging Skodas and accusations of heresy. Discover Occam's views on ethics, the role of God's commands, individual reasoning, moral responsibility, political beliefs, and the concept of Occam's Razor.
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Hierarchy and Internal Dissent
- Medieval society and its institutions were organised as layered hierarchies across politics, church, and knowledge.
- Yet medieval life also contained deep rivalries and dissent that challenged those hierarchies from within.
Avignon Trial and Flight To Munich
- William of Occam split his career after a major Avignon episode where he defended against heresy charges in 1324.
- He fled Avignon in 1328 with Franciscans and spent his last years in Munich writing political polemics.
Voluntarism Makes Morality Divine Will
- Occam embraced theological voluntarism: God's will can determine moral law without outside necessity.
- This implies, in principle, God could command acts we now call immoral and make them right to obey.