Peter Abelard
Peter Abelard (1079–1142) was a French medieval philosopher, theologian, and logician known for his work in scholastic method and for his influential book Sic et Non. His writings emphasized critical questioning and philosophical inquiry, reflected in quotes such as "By doubting we come to inquiry; by inquiry we perceive the truth."
Quotes by Peter Abelard
Quotes: 2

From Doubt to Truth: The Power of Inquiry
Abelard’s philosophy shaped the broader intellectual trends of the Middle Ages, encouraging scholars to scrutinize and reconcile conflicting sources. This tradition, known as Scholasticism, aimed for rational harmony between faith and reason by systematically examining doctrines. Abelard’s emphasis on critical analysis laid the groundwork for later thinkers like Thomas Aquinas, who further developed reasoned argumentation in theology and beyond, illustrating the enduring significance of inquiry-driven truth-seeking. [...]
Created on: 6/29/2025

The Vital Role of Doubt in Discovering Truth
Peter Abelard’s maxim begins by emphasizing the transformative power of doubt. Rather than seeing skepticism as a weakness, Abelard frames it as a necessary first step in the pursuit of understanding. Doubt unsettles certainty, pushing individuals to look beneath the surface and ask deeper questions, thus igniting the journey of intellectual exploration. [...]
Created on: 6/28/2025