Francis Bacon: Introduction to Induction & the Scientific Method
Nov 27, 2020
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Explore the revolutionary thoughts of Francis Bacon, the father of empiricism, who challenged the rigid philosophies of his time. Discover how he proposed a practical approach to knowledge through observation and the scientific method, advocating for starting from specific details to derive broader truths. Learn about his intriguing concept of 'idols' that distort our understanding of truth, as well as his efforts to reform the legal system in 16th-century Britain. Bacon's legacy continues to shape modern scientific thought.
Francis Bacon emphasized the importance of starting with specific observations to build towards general truths through induction, revolutionizing the scientific method.
He introduced the concept of 'idols' to highlight cognitive biases that distort our understanding, impacting the pursuit of objective knowledge.
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Francis Bacon's Influence on the Scientific Method
Francis Bacon, a significant figure in the history of philosophy and science, is recognized for his role in developing the scientific method, particularly the process of induction. He argued that instead of relying on syllogism, which deductively extrapolates from general ideas, one should start with specific observations and work upwards to discover truths about the natural world. Bacon believed that the mind often distorts truth, leading to erroneous conclusions, and identified four types of 'idols' that mislead human understanding. His approach emphasized a systematic, empirical method of inquiry that laid the groundwork for the Enlightenment and modern scientific practices.
Bacon's Idols of the Mind
Bacon introduced the concept of 'idols' to describe various biases that can obstruct accurate perception of truth. He distinguished four categories: idols of the tribe (human nature prejudices), idols of the cave (personal biases), idols of the marketplace (miscommunication), and idols of the theater (philosophical dogmas). By recognizing these idols, individuals can better understand their propensity for distortion and work towards more objective observation of the world. This critical self-awareness is crucial for applying Bacon's inductive methods effectively and improving the pursuit of knowledge.
An introduction to the philosophy of Francis Bacon, the father of empiricism. Bacon was born in London in 1561. He was an establishment figure born into one of the most powerful families in Britain. He as a member of the house of commons and the house of lords for 37 years, a lawyer, Attorney General, and a member of the Privy Council, the group who advises the monarch. He died of pneumonia after carrying out experiments with ice in 1626.He’s interested in the question of what is useful, practical, the pursuit of improving our place in the world. He thought that the scholastic philosophy taught at the time was dry, closed off, esoteric, at a dead end.First, to know the truth we have to be able to distinguish it from falsehood and for Bacon, the mind does a good job at distorting the truth.He said that the mind was a ‘crooked mirror’, distorted by what he called idols. He wrote: There are four idols: idols of the tribe, idols of the cave, idols of the marketplace, and idols of the theatre.To remedy the effect the idols have on the pursuit of knowledge, Bacon advocates for induction: the scientific method.The Baconian Method starts with simple observations. He said ‘a new beginning has to be made from the lowest foundations.’ Instead of starting at the top, from general ideas, we start from the bottom, from particular observations, and work upwards to ‘general truths’ or axioms.Then & Now is FAN-FUNDED! Support me on Patreon and pledge as little as $1 per video: http://patreon.com/user?u=3517018