Essays

Francis Bacon

Mar 2007 · Cosimo, Inc.

About this ebook

In this collection of essays originally published in 1625, Bacon delves in to a variety of topics, using inductive reasoning to find truth based on observations of the world. The application of inductive reason to scientific and philosophical pursuits was a breakthrough in the history of human knowledge. Students of history and philosophy, as well as those intrigued by the world's great minds, can find in these essays Sir Francis Bacon's commentary on such topics as: .Death .Religion .Beauty .Friendship .Anger .The Nature of Men SIR FRANCIS BACON (1561-1626) was a British scientist and philosopher who is best remembered for inventing the scientific method of hypothesis and experimentation that is used today. Many of his writings discussed how to use this method for philosophical inquiry. As a man of religion, Bacon was careful to distinguish between reason-based philosophy and faith-based revelation, considering both essential to human thought.

About the author

Francis Bacon was born on January 22, 1561 in London. After studying at Cambridge, Bacon began a legal career, ultimately becoming a barrister in 1582. Bacon continued his political ascent, and became a Member of Parliament in 1584. In 1600, he served as Queen Elizabeth's Learned Counsel in the trial of Robert Devereaux, the Earl of Essex. After numerous appointments under James I, Bacon admitted to bribery and fell from power. Much of Bacon's fame stems from the belief by some that he was the actual author of the plays of William Shakespeare. While many critics dismissed that belief, Bacon did write several important works, including a digest of laws, a history of Great Britain, and biographies of the Tudor monarchy, including Henry VII. Bacon was also interested in science and the natural world. His scientific theories are recorded in Novum Organum, published in 1620. Bacon's interest in science ultimately led to his death. After stuffing a fowl with snow to study the effect of cold on the decay of meat, he fell ill, and died of bronchitis on April 9, 1626.