The Advancement Of Learning

by Francis Bacon

Overview

"The Advancement of Learning" is a philosophical treatise written by Francis Bacon in 1605. The book is divided into two parts, each of which explores the nature of knowledge and its relationship to human progress. In the first part of the book, Bacon argues that knowledge is the key to human progress and that the pursuit of knowledge should be the central goal of society. He advocates for a new method of inquiry based on empirical observation and experimentation, which he calls the "new method." The second part of the book provides a detailed analysis of the state of knowledge in various fields, including theology, philosophy, and natural science. Bacon argues that many of the accepted ideas in these fields are based on outdated or flawed thinking, and that a new approach is needed to unlock the full potential of human knowledge. Throughout the book, Bacon emphasizes the importance of practical knowledge and its application to solving real-world problems. He argues that knowledge should not be pursued for its own sake, but rather as a means of improving the human condition and advancing civilization. Overall, "The Advancement of Learning" is a seminal work in the history of philosophy and science. It laid the groundwork for the scientific method and the Enlightenment, and its ideas continue to influence the way we think about knowledge and progress today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789358017656
Publisher:	Double 9 Books
Publication date:	05/01/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	692 KB

About the Author

Francis Bacon (1561-1626) was an English philosopher, statesman, and scientist who is considered one of the most influential thinkers of the early modern period. He was born in London to a prominent family and received a classical education at Trinity College, Cambridge. Bacon's early career was marked by his work as a lawyer and his rise through the ranks of government, eventually becoming Lord Chancellor under King James I. However, he is best known for his contributions to philosophy and science. Bacon is often credited with developing the scientific method, which emphasizes empirical observation and experimentation as the basis for knowledge. His major works include "Novum Organum," which outlines his new method of inquiry, and "The Advancement of Learning," which argues that the pursuit of knowledge is essential for human progress. Despite his many accomplishments, Bacon's career was marred by scandal and controversy, including accusations of corruption during his time as Lord Chancellor. Nevertheless, his ideas and legacy continue to be studied and debated today.

Read an Excerpt

To the King

1. There were under the law, excellent King, both daily sacrifices and freewill offerings; the one proceeding upon ordinary observance, the other upon a devout cheerfulness: in like manner there belongeth to kings from their servants both tribute of duty and presents of affection. In the former of these I hope I shall not live to be wanting, according to my most humble duty, and the good pleasure of your Majesty's employments: for the latter, I thought it more respective to make choice of some oblation, which might rather refer to the propriety and excellency of your individual person, than to the business of your crown and state.

2. Wherefore, representing your Majesty many times unto my mind, and beholding you not with the inquisitive eye of presumption, to discover that which the Scripture telleth me is inscrutable, but with the observant eye of duty and admiration; leaving aside the other parts of your virtue and fortune, I have been touched, yea, and possessed with an extreme wonder at those your virtues and faculties, which the Philosophers call intellectual; the largeness of your capacity, the faithfulness of your memory, the swiftness of your apprehension, the penetration of your judgement, and the facility and order of your elocution: and I have often thought, that of all the persons living that I have known, your Majesty were the best instance to make a man of Plato's opinion, that all knowledge is but remembrance, and that the mind of man by nature knoweth all things, and hath but her own native and original notions (which by the strangeness and darkness of this tabernacle of the body are sequestered) again revived andrestored: such a light of nature I have observed in your Majesty, and such a readiness to take and blaze from the least occasion presented, or the least spark of another's knowledge delivered. And as the Scripture saith of the wisest king, "That his heart was as the sands of the sea"; which though it be one of the largest bodies, yet it consisteth of the smallest and dunest portions; so hath God given your Majesty a composition of understanding admirable, being able to compass and comprehend the greatest matters, and nevertheless to touch and apprehend the least; whereas it should seem an impossibility in nature, for the same instrument to make itself ïfor great and small works. And for your gift of speech, I call to mind what Cornelius Tacitus saith of Augustus Caesar: "Augusto proïfuens, et quae principem deceret, eloquentia fuit." For if we note it well, speech that is uttered with labour and diffculty, or speech that savoureth of the affectation of art and precepts, or speech that is framed after the imitation of some pattern of eloquence, though never so excellent; all this hath somewhat servile, and holding of the subject.

What People are Saying About This

Stephen Jay Gould

Introducing the Modern Library Science Series

We need hardly mine the technical literature of science to find works of sufficiently high literary quality and intellectual importance to merit inclusion within the Modern Library Science Series. I do not speak of quick journalistic reads, hastily composed, consciously dumbed-down and hyped, and usually written by nonscientists without the requisite "feel" for the ethos of lab or field life in daily practice. Such works abound, and deserve their quick and permanent obsolescence. Rather, I speak of the fine literary skills possessed by several excellent scientists in each generation (not nearly a majority, of course, but we need representation, not saturation, and a little elitism is not a dangerous thing in this realm). These people write volumes accessible to all, and addresses equally to scientific peers and to that celebrated abstraction -- doubted by some, but who really exist in large numbers -- "the intelligent layperson."

This series will republish some excellent examples of this important genre, spanning literature and science, readable by all, and written by leading experts who did the original work in their technical fields.

Editorial Reviews

Stephen Jay Gould is perhaps the scientist most famed for his literary skills. As the editor for the Modern Library Science Series, Gould has chosen some of the seminal works in science, landmark volumes that can be read by both scientists and nonscientists. This series is a wonderful way to build a home library of some of history's greatest thinkers.

bn.com