The Philosopher Francis Bacon

To understand a philosopher, as I have learned, one must know the historical context in which the ideas were developed. Without it, it is harder to understand the motives of their philosophies and the philosophy itself.

The Historical Context of Francis Bacon

Francis Bacon was born in a world radically different from ours. As you may know, the 16th century reality of the West was dictated by the firm grip of Christianity. It was theology over all other disciplines. Under this rigid reality, however, there were tectonic forces that were moving and should shake the core of the reality above. Its prescience over the lives of Christians and its dogmatic pursuit to convert individuals to its religion began to sow the seeds of its own downfall.

The Crusades had as a consequence of opening trade routes with the East, allowing for an influx of ideas and goods from different religions. Later on, around 16th century (Bacon’s lifetime), these trade routes had been cut out from the wars in the Middle East and forces merchants to find others routes to conduct their commerce. A written in the pages of history, the discovery of the Americas allowed for greater influx of ideas and the British, becoming the ruler of the seas in this competition, now had the world at its disposal to seek rent on ideas.

Religions as a result would start to loosen its grip and provide the fertile soils for Francis Bacon.

Francis Bacon: The Revival of Philosophy & Science

When Bacon was younger, he consumed old philosophical texts such as the writings of Plato and Aristotle and with Oriental influences, come to the conclusion that philosophy must be revived. He embarks on producing the Great Reconstruction, reviving philosophy but also attempt to tackle every scientific discipline — indispensable in understanding the world — and find the answers to the unresolved questions. Daunting no doubt. Although he falls short of the this lofty and worldly ambitious task, Francis Bacon lays the foundation of all modern science. He conducts experiments and does not simply just theorize as Plato and Aristotle and the other philosophers and scientists before his time did.

He expands medicine by criticizing that one cure should not be prescribed to all ailments. He creates psychology to understand the cause and effects of behavior. He is the founding father of the social sciences. From the onset of his foray on science and philosophy, Francis stumbles upon roadblocks of biases, perspectives, beliefs: “human understanding is no dry light, it receives infusion from the will and affections”.¹ To triumph over impediments, Francis Bacon preaches an Expurgation of the Intellect: embrace the childlike mind and erase all preconceived notions. Begin with a clean slate. Isn’t this the core of science, cherishing the childlike curiosity? Needless to say, although we do not regard or study his work as much, it is because some of us are enthralled in it not knowing who created their field of study.

If you wish to explore his work, Novum Organum is his journey into science, logic and more.

Reference

Bacon, Francis. Norum Organum.i 41.