William of Auvergne

He was born in Aurillac and the likely date range for his birth is reckoned from the fact that a professor of Theology normally needed to be at least 35 years old.

His theology was systematically Aristotelian, although not uncritically so, and he was the first theologian to attempt to reconcile Aristotle with Christian doctrine, and especially with the teachings of Augustine of Hippo.

William sought to rescue Aristotle from the Arabians and worked to refute certain doctrines, such as the eternality of the world and the heresy of Catharism.

Following a heavy-handed use of royal force, which led to several students being killed in Paris, university staff turned to William expecting him to defend them.

As a result of this in January 1241 he published a list of 10 theological propositions which he condemned and ordered should not be taught at the university.