Nicole Oresme

c. 1320 – 11 July 1382

Nicole Oresme (c. 1320-1382) was a French philosopher, mathematician, economist, and Bishop of Lisieux, one of the most original thinkers of the 14th century. He wrote influential works on money, motion, and cosmology, anticipated the graphical representation of qualities, and translated Aristotle's works into French for King Charles V.

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Life events

Born near Caen in Normandy, France
c. 1320

Nicole Oresme was born around 1320-1325 in the village of Allemagne (present-day Fleury-sur-Orne) near Caen, Normandy.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Studied the arts at the University of Paris
c. 1342

Oresme studied the liberal arts in Paris, where he was influenced by the natural philosopher Jean Buridan.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Wrote De moneta, a pioneering treatise on money and coinage
c. 1355

Oresme composed his treatise on the origin, nature, and alteration of money, an early classic of monetary economics arguing against debasement of coinage.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Received his doctorate in theology from the College of Navarre, Paris
1356

Oresme completed his theological studies at the College of Navarre of the University of Paris, earning the degree of master of theology.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Appointed grand master of the College of Navarre
4 October 1356

Oresme became grand master of the College of Navarre, one of the leading institutions of the University of Paris.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Appointed dean of the Cathedral of Rouen
18 March 1364

Oresme became dean of Rouen Cathedral while continuing his scholarly work and his service to the French crown.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Translated Aristotle's works into French for King Charles V
c. 1370 – c. 1377

At the request of Charles V of France, Oresme translated Aristotle's Ethics, Politics, Economics, and On the Heavens into French, adding extensive commentaries.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Wrote Livre du ciel et du monde, discussing the possible rotation of the Earth
1377

In his commentary on Aristotle's On the Heavens, Oresme analyzed arguments for the daily rotation of the Earth, showing that they could not be refuted by observation.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Consecrated Bishop of Lisieux
1377

With the support of Charles V, Oresme was appointed Bishop of Lisieux in Normandy.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Lisieux, France
11 July 1382

Oresme died at Lisieux and was buried in the cathedral church there.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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