Related Terms • empiricism • atheism

Name:
Francis Bacon

Dates:
Born: January 22, 1561
Died: April 9, 1626

Biography:
Francis Bacon was a British philosopher whose work was vital to the development of the British empiricist tradition, influencing Locke, Hume, Mill and Russell. Bacon's thinking was very practical and utilitarian in nature, although he seems to have been pessimistic as to whether or not human progress was really possible.

At least on the surface, Bacon professed allegiance to Christianity and belief in Christian doctrines, but it is uncertain as to whether or not that was really his true position. Regardless, in his efforts to dethrone scholasticism, he argued for a complete separation of reason and revelation (as part of a general separation of reason from personal interest, social conventions, human passion, etc.).

Bacon believed that this separation would facilitate the development of science, and he was right. But, once widely adopted, it also lead to the eventual separation of church and state, religion and morality, and more. Thus, Bacon's philosophical work was an important foundation for modern, rationalistic, skeptical atheism.

Quotes:

No pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the vantage-ground of truth. (Francis Bacon, Of Truth)

Revenge is a kind of wild justice, which the more manÕs nature runs to, the more ought law to weed it out. (Francis Bacon, Of Revenge)

A little philosophy inclineth manÕs mind to atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth menÕs minds about to religion. (Francis Bacon, Of Atheism)

Knowledge is power. (Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est) (Francis Bacon, Meditationes Sacrae. De Haeresibus.)

Major Works:

The Essays (1601)
Novum Organum (1620)
The New Atlantis (1626)
Sylva Sylvarum (1627)

Also Known As: none

Alternate Spellings: none

Common Misspellings: none

Related Resources:

Biographies of Philosophers
This index of biographical index of famous philosophers throughout history includes many others who have contributed to our understanding of human nature and life - including sociologists, psychologists, scientists, and more.

What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?