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Meister Eckhart

Type Figure Region Germany Time c. 1260–1328 Also known as Eckhart

Meister Eckhart (c. 1260–1328), a German Dominican theologian and mystic who taught in Paris and Cologne, was known for fusing scholastic philosophy …

Timeline

  1. c. 1260–1294Thuringia–Hochheim area · ThuringiaEckhart was born around 1260 in the Thuringia region and in his youth joined the Dominicans, receiving philosophical and theological training within the order that laid the foundation for his later academic career in Paris and Cologne.
  2. 1294–1323Paris · Île-de-FranceEckhart twice served as professor of theology at the University of Paris, earning the title of 'Master' (Meister); his sermons and writings combined Aristotelian philosophy with Christian mystical experience and earned him a reputation in scholastic circles.
  3. 1323–1328Cologne · North Rhine-WestphaliaIn the 1320s Eckhart preached to friars and laypeople in Cologne and elsewhere; his teachings on the 'Godhead's spark' and the union of soul with God provoked controversy. In 1326 he was accused by the Archbishop of Cologne, in 1327 he went to Avignon to defend himself, and in 1329 Pope John XXII issued a bull after his death condemning a number of propositions.

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