The Founder of Empiricism: Francis Bacon

• Francis Bacon was born on January 22nd, 1561 in London, England.

• He died on April 9th, 1626 in Highgate, London, England

• Bacon was a lawyer who was influenced by the early philosophers of Aristotle, Plato, Machiavelli, Roger Bacon, and Michel de Montagne

• Under James I, Francis Bacon rose to the highest position of office in England: Lord Chancellor

• Bacon is most well known for his treatises (written works) on modern empiricist natural philosophy (The Advancement of Learning, Novum Organum Scientiarum)

• He has been called the Father of Empiricism

• Bacon’s works also argued for the possibility of scientific knowledge based only upon inductive reasoning and careful observation in nature

• INDUCTIVE REASONING: Method of reasoning that aims at providing evidence and developing a theory

• Francis Bacon namely formed the “Baconian Method,” which is an investigative method created by Francis Bacon that is a good example of inductive reasoning

• Equally as importantly, Bacon is credited with creating and popularizing the scientific method of inquiry into natural phenomena

• Through the scientific method, Bacon emphasized inductive methodology: testing and refining hypotheses by observing, measuring, and experimenting

• Mainly, Bacon’s scientific method is associated with both science and philosophy

Bacon was hailed as “the greatest, most universal, and the most eloquent of philosopher” according to the French Encyclopedia (“LE ENCYCLOPÉDIE)

Author Sofia Maurer