弗朗西斯 培根 Bacon.pptVIP

Francis Bacon * I Life experience Francis Bacon (1561-1626), a representative of the Renaissance in England, is a well-known philosopher, scientist and essayist. He lays the foundation for modern science with his insistence on scientific way of thinking and fresh observation rather than authority as a basis for obtaining knowledge. Bacon had a fortunate heritage and background. He studied at Cambridge and Gray’s Inn, entered Parliament,and gradually established his reputation. But he was later accused of taking bribes in office. He admitted accepting presents and retired in disgrace. * II Works Essays 《论说文》 The Advancement of Learning 《知识的进步》 Novum Organum 《新工具》 * 1. Essays 《论说文》 The first example of that genre in English literature; An important landmark in the development of English prose. * 2. The Advancement of Learning《知识的进步》 A great book on education He divides knowledge into two kinds. One is the knowledge obtained from the Divine Revelation; the other is the knowledge from the workings of human mind. According to Bacon, man’s understanding consists of three parts: history to man’s memory, poetry to man’s imagination and creation, and philosophy to man’s reason. * 3. Novum Organum 《新工具》 A successful treatise written in Latin on methodology. The argument is for the use of inductive method of reasoning in scientific study, i.e. proceeding from the particular to the general, in place of the Aristotelian method, the deductive reasoning. * III Features: He intends to write for the ambitious Elizabethan and Jacobean youth of his class and tell them how to be efficient and make their way in public life. He presents the mode of thought and interest of the ruling class in his day. More than half of his essays are about public life or public duty. Bacon’s essays are famous for their brevity, compactness and powerfulness. * IV Theme: It analyzes what studies chiefly serve for, the different ways adopted by different people to pursue studies, a