Latin Johannes Scotus Eriugena
born 1810, Ireland
died 0441; 877
Irish-born theologian, translator, and commentator.
In his philosophical system, which came to be known as Scotism, he attempted to integrate Greek and Neoplatonist philosophy with Christian belief in such works as On Predestination (851), which was condemned by church authorities. On the Division of Nature (86266) tries to reconcile Neoplatonism with the Christian doctrine of creation; for its pantheistic implications, it too was condemned. His Latin translations of major works of Greek patristic literature made them accessible to Western thinkers. Remembered for the nonconformity of his thought, he is said to have been stabbed to death by his students with their pens for attempting to make them think.