# Roger Bacon

> English polymath, philosopher and friar (c.1219/20–c.1292)

**Wikidata**: [Q171677](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q171677)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Bacon)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/roger-bacon

## Summary
Roger Bacon was an English polymath, philosopher, and friar who lived from approximately 1219/20 to 1292. Also known as Doctor Mirabilis, he was a scholar affiliated with the University of Oxford and the University of Paris, contributing extensively to natural philosophy, mathematics, and theology. He is best recognized for his authorship of the *Opus Majus* and his broad expertise as a physicist, astrologer, alchemist, and inventor.

## Biography
- **Born:** c.1219/20
- **Nationality:** Kingdom of England
- **Education:** University of Oxford, University of Paris
- **Known for:** Contributions to natural philosophy, mathematics, and theology; authorship of *Opus Majus*
- **Employer(s):** University of Oxford, University of Paris
- **Field(s):** Philosophy, physics, theology, musicology, music theory, astrology, alchemy, translation, invention, mathematics, writing, natural philosophy

## Contributions
Roger Bacon authored the significant work *Opus Majus*, a book that remains a primary text associated with his legacy. He contributed to the field of natural philosophy, an ancient philosophical study of nature that served as the dominant framework before the development of modern science and is considered its precursor. His professional roles included those of a translator, moving written text between languages, and an inventor, devising new devices and processes. Additionally, he contributed to the academic understanding of theology, the study of the nature of deities and religious beliefs.

## FAQs
**What are the alternative names for Roger Bacon?**
Roger Bacon is known by numerous aliases, including Rogerus, Rogerus Bacon, Rogerus Baconus, Doctor Mirabilis, Frater Rogerus, Rogerus Baconis, Rogerius Baconis, Ruggiero Bacone, Rogerus Bachon, and Rogerius Bacconis.

**Which universities was Roger Bacon associated with?**
He was affiliated with the University of Oxford, a collegiate research university in England, and the University of Paris, a historic French university.

**What subjects did Roger Bacon study or practice?**
He was a polymath with extensive knowledge and practice in philosophy, physics, mathematics, theology, musicology, music theory, astrology, and alchemy.

**Who were significant figures in Roger Bacon's life?**
William of Sherwood, an English Scholastic philosopher, logician, and teacher, is listed as a key associate. He is also connected in the knowledge base to Juan Bautista Alberdi, an Argentinian politician and diplomat.

## Why They Matter
Roger Bacon matters for his pivotal role in the history of natural philosophy, which laid the groundwork for the subsequent development of modern natural science. His work as a mathematician, physicist, and theologian exemplified the interdisciplinary nature of medieval scholarship. By bridging the roles of inventor, translator, and writer, he helped preserve and expand upon scientific and philosophical knowledge during a critical period in European history. His influence is such that an asteroid, 69312 Rogerbacon, was named in his honor.

## Notable For
- Authoring the book *Opus Majus*.
- Holding the title "Doctor Mirabilis."
- Contributing to natural philosophy as a precursor to modern science.
- Affiliation with the University of Oxford and the University of Paris.
- Having an asteroid named after him: 69312 Rogerbacon.
- Being a friar within the Kingdom of England.

## Body
### Identity and Roles
Roger Bacon was a human and a member of the Kingdom of England during the 13th and 14th centuries (c.1219/20–c.1292). He was a writer who used written words to communicate ideas and produce literary works. His professional identity was multifaceted; he was a friar, a philosopher with extensive knowledge of philosophy, and a physicist who conducted research in physics. Additionally, he was a scholar of theology, a mathematician, a musicologist, and a music theorist. His pursuits also included the practices of astrology and alchemy.

### Academic Affiliations and Education
Bacon's academic career was defined by his associations with major European institutions. He was affiliated with the University of Oxford, a collegiate research university in Oxford, England, established in 1096. He also maintained a connection with the University of Paris, a French university operational from around 1150 to 1970. Through these affiliations, he engaged with the intellectual traditions of the time. William of Sherwood, an English Scholastic philosopher, logician, and teacher, was a key contemporary figure associated with Bacon.

### Publications and Fields of Study
As an author, Roger Bacon produced the notable work *Opus Majus*. His intellectual contributions were deeply rooted in the study of natural philosophy, the ancient study of nature and the physical universe that preceded modern science. He was also a theologian, focusing on the study of the nature of deities and religious beliefs. His work as a translator involved converting written text from one language to another, facilitating the flow of knowledge. As an inventor, he devised new methods, compositions, and processes.

### Legacy and Recognition
Roger Bacon's legacy extends beyond his written works and academic roles. He is recognized by the scientific community through the naming of the asteroid 69312 Rogerbacon. His various aliases, such as Doctor Mirabilis and Rogerus Baconus, reflect his enduring presence in historical records. He is also linked in broader knowledge networks to diverse figures, including Juan Bautista Alberdi, an Argentinian politician and lawyer from the 19th century.

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