Francis Bacon's Philosophy of Science: An Account and a ReappraisalOpen Court, 1987 - 209 pages Bacon's scientific method is commonly thought to proceed mechanically to its infallible end. In this book however, Urbach presents Bacon's philosophy in an alternative light which acquits him of several errors. Urbach describes Bacon as an experimental scientist and examines the criticisms made against him, one of which was that he did not understand the roles of mathematics and science. Bacon was not a traditional metaphysician and was alarmed at the lack of progress in science since ancient times, especially the lack of practical results. He attempted to open up a middle path between practical experience and unsupported theorizing. The author intends to clarify rather than defend Bacon's work. |
Contents
The Standard Interpretation | 17 |
2i | 25 |
c A GameTheoretic Argument | 42 |
Copyright | |
9 other sections not shown
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advance argument assumption astrology astronomy atoms axioms Bacon argued Bacon seems Bacon's method Bacon's philosophy Bacon's view Baconian believe causal certainty Chapter claim cold colour compound bodies conclusions conjectures correct criticism Democritus described Diogenes Laertius discovery discussion diurnal motion doctrine earth empirical Epicurus evidence example experimental experiments explain facts Falsificationism favour Fingerpost form of heat Francis Bacon Gilbert heavenly bodies heterogeneous instances hypotheses idea idols inductive process infallible Instauration interpretation of nature investigation italics kind knowledge Magnete Mary Hesse mathematics matter means merely mind mixed mathematics natural histories natural philosophy nature of heat Novum Organum objection observations particles particular phenomena Philolaus philosophy of science physical causes Popper predictions prerogative instances principles reason refuted regarded rejected remarks science to go scientific method scientists Secondly sense similar simple natures specific speculation standard interpretation substances suggested tables theory things thought true truth understanding vacuum Vintage Xenophanes