Albert the Great
c. 1200 – 1280 · Germany — Paris — Cologne
Dominican, bishop, Doctor of the Church
Awaiting theological review
In one sentence
A Dominican scholar of theology and natural science, and the teacher of Thomas Aquinas.
Why this person matters
He showed that studying nature and studying God are not rivals.
Historical context
He taught in Paris and Cologne, where Thomas Aquinas was his student.
Historical context
He was bishop of Regensburg for two years.
Key ideas
- Faith and reason in harmony
- Natural science as part of wisdom
Why they still matter
Interpretation
Patron of scientists.
Before
- Dominic de Guzmánc. 1170 – 1221
Contemporary
- Thomas Aquinas1225 – 1274
After
- Catherine of Siena1347 – 1380
- Historical context
Statements are labelled by source. Early Christian sources are named where known; dates before the 4th century are often approximate.