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Jean Buridan
Nominalist logician of Paris who theorized 'impetus', anticipating inertia.
Overview
The most important arts master of fourteenth-century Paris, Jean Buridan developed Ockham's nominalist logic into a rigorous, influential system while remaining a secular philosopher who never became a theologian. In physics he advanced the theory of 'impetus' — an impressed force keeping projectiles and the heavens in motion — a crucial step toward the modern concept of inertia. His name survives in the paradox of 'Buridan's ass', illustrating problems of free choice.
What they supported — and why
Impetus theory
SupportedA mover impresses a lasting 'impetus' on a body, which keeps it moving until resistance consumes it.
WhyProjectiles continue after leaving the hand, so the cause of continued motion must be something transferred into the body itself — anticipating inertia.
Nominalist logic and reference
SupportedUniversals are terms and concepts; careful analysis of how terms 'supposit' (refer) resolves philosophical problems.
WhyRigor about language and reference, not hidden entities, is the key to sound reasoning.
Choice and the weighing of reasons
SupportedThe will chooses according to the intellect's judgement, yet can defer when reasons are balanced.
WhyRational choice tracks the perceived good, but a perfect balance of reasons (as in 'Buridan's ass') raises the question of how the will finally decides.
Causes championed
- Rigorous logic
- A naturalistic science of motion
- The autonomy of the arts faculty
Issues wrestled with
- What keeps bodies in motion?
- How do universal terms refer?
- How does the will choose?
Hurdles faced
- Keeping philosophy independent of theology in a charged era
- His works later placed under suspicion
Works & books
2 catalogued. Status shows how much survives to today.
Summulae de Dialectica
SurvivesHis comprehensive and influential textbook of nominalist logic.
Questions on Aristotle's Physics and On the Heavens
SurvivesWhere he develops impetus theory toward a new science of motion.
Read the texts free
Their works online — Open Library catalogues 50 works & editions.
The influence network
See Jean Buridan in the map →Influenced by
Influenced
In their words
“The impetus impressed on a body by its mover keeps it moving until resisting forces destroy it.”
— Questions on the Physics (paraphrase)
Legacy
He carried nominalist logic to its height and, with impetus theory, took a decisive step from Aristotelian toward modern physics.
Further reading
Cross-checked against these authoritative references.