Human Understanding - Francis Bacon Flashcards
What years did he live?
1561-1626
What important jobs did he hold?
- Barrister, 1582
- MP, 1584
What did he contribute to?
He significantly contributed to scientific discovery.
What was his experimental method?
It was based on inductive reasoning: collect evidence to make formulations.
What was significant about his new methods?
At the time of his writing, scientific thinking was influenced by the church - this was a break from that tradition.
How was the experimental method used for religion, and why would this be useful for religion?
Due to Biblical ambiguity, the Church would benefit from religious toleration as one can interpret the Bible in multiple ways.
What were the elements making up the experimental method?
- Discovery is best aided through the accumulation of as much data as possible.
- It rejected preconceived beliefs or theories surrounding the subject matter.
- Methodical and meticulous observation of facts = best way to understand natural phenomena.
What was Bacon inadvertently influential in creating?
The Royal Society:
Its original founders followed the Baconian method.
What was a limitation of Bacon’s ideas?
They were not implemented widely before 1640 - had a more long term impact rather than an immediate one.
What was an advantage of inductive reasoning?
Preconceived theories or ideas can mislead thinkers - inductive reasoning rejects preconceived ideas.
What was his “Table of Instances”?
One would record all there is to know about a subject in a table and then, from this, a theory would emerge.
What was Bacon’s heat example to support induction?
Once every known fact of it had been recorded, Bacon concluded that heat is a form of motion - this fist with the modern scientific theory of kinetics.
Did his method tackle magic head on?
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
His method served to actually preserve the belief in magic.
What did his Table of Instances dismiss?
The distinction between magical and rational qualities - this allowed the idea of magic to be studied rationally to flourish.
What did his preference for induction lead to in regards to magic?
It led to the logic of those who believed they could study natural magic.
