1515-1572

French philosopher and mathematician, born Pierre de la Ramee, who led the movement to reform the dogmatic adherence to Aristotelian philosophy by the intellectuals of his day (Scholastics). He laid the groundwork for the development of a philosophical system more conducive to scientific thought. A ban on his works in 1544 was removed in 1547. He converted to Protestantism in 1561, suffered persecution, and was assassinated by his intellectual and religious enemies in the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre in 1572.