4Francis Bacon.pptVIP

(1561-1626) General Introduction A representative of the Renaissance in England Philosopher, scientist and essayist He lays the foundation for modern science Insisting on scientific way of thinking and fresh observation rather than authority as a basis for obtaining knowledge. His Essays is the first example of that genre in English literature, which has been recognized as an important landmark in the development of English prose. Personal trajectory of Bacon Lord Keeper/ M.P. Lord of the Chancellor scenphilo Born 12 15 23 45 60 end Background of the Writer Being born: the younger son of Elizabeth’s first Lord Keeper, Bacon had a fortunate heritage and background. 12: studied at Trinity College, Cambridge 15: graduated and worked in the embassy in France 18: returned; his father died leaving him no property; his aunt’s husband didn’t give him any chance,either. So he entered Gray’s Inn to study law. 23: became M.P. for his eloquence and gradually establish- ed his reputation; found Earl Essex as his patron,who is Elisabeth’s favorite courtier. Later: offended the Queen by strongly opposing to some new taxes;managed to make the court sentence death to Essex by the crime of treason. 45: defended for the King’s taxes(James I) became Lord Keeper and then Lord Chancellor of England. 60: was accused of taking bribes in office,deprived of his seat in parliament , and fined ; after token imprisonments, Bacon retired in disgrace to spend the last five years of his life in the study of science and philosophy. His Works The Advancement of Learning (1605) (in English) 《学术的进展》 Novum Organum (1620) ( an enlarged Latin version of The Advancement of Learning) 《新工具论》 Es