The Advancement of Learning (Modern Library Science)

by Francis Bacon

On This Page

Description

Philosopher, statesman, scientist, jurist, lawyer, and prolific author -- Francis Bacon was a true polymath and Renaissance man, and is regarded as one of the progenitors of the school of thought known as Empiricism, as well as the scientific method. In this volume, Bacon discusses a remarkably wide-ranging array of philosophical and scientific subjects, putting the mind-boggling breadth of his knowledge on full display.

Tags

Recommendations

Member Reviews

3 reviews
Bacon is much underrated as a philosopher. His vision for the reform of philosophy and science - well, of learning in general - is quite breathtaking in its scope and audacity. He's also a great writer.

The one thing that spoils it is the quality of this edition. There are no notes, no translation of the extremely frequent Latin quotations with which Bacon illustrates his points, all of which makes for a very frustrating experience.

Also, this is the original English text. Bacon later translated and augmented The AoL, so it might be an easier and more enjoyable read in an English translation of the later Latin edition.

Gareth Southwell is a philosopher, writer and illustrator.
This is a treatise on philosophy that epitomizes the nature of Renaissance thought. In it the author extols the pursuit of learning and critically surveys the existing state of knowledge. He continued to write on these subjects throughout his life, expanding his exposition.
Bacon's argument for developing knowledge.

Members

Recently Added By

Lists

Author Information

Picture of author.
368+ Works 8,279 Members
Francis Bacon was born on January 22, 1561 in London. After studying at Cambridge, Bacon began a legal career, ultimately becoming a barrister in 1582. Bacon continued his political ascent, and became a Member of Parliament in 1584. In 1600, he served as Queen Elizabeth's Learned Counsel in the trial of Robert Devereaux, the Earl of Essex. After show more numerous appointments under James I, Bacon admitted to bribery and fell from power. Much of Bacon's fame stems from the belief by some that he was the actual author of the plays of William Shakespeare. While many critics dismissed that belief, Bacon did write several important works, including a digest of laws, a history of Great Britain, and biographies of the Tudor monarchy, including Henry VII. Bacon was also interested in science and the natural world. His scientific theories are recorded in Novum Organum, published in 1620. Bacon's interest in science ultimately led to his death. After stuffing a fowl with snow to study the effect of cold on the decay of meat, he fell ill, and died of bronchitis on April 9, 1626. (Bowker Author Biography) show less

Some Editions

Awards and Honors

Series

Belongs to Publisher Series

Work Relationships

Common Knowledge

Canonical title
The Advancement of Learning (Modern Library Science) (Modern Library Science)
Original publication date
1605
People/Characters
Francis Bacon; Stephen Jay Gould
Dedication
To the King [sc. James I]
First words
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 ser... (show all)vants both tribute of duty and presents of affection.
Last words
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)The good, it any be, is due tanquam adeps sacrificii, to be incensed to the honour, first of the Divine Majesty, and next of your Majesty, to whom on earth I am most bounden.

Classifications

Genres
Philosophy, Nonfiction, Science & Nature, History, General Nonfiction
DDC/MDS
121Philosophy and PsychologyEpistemology (how do you know what you know?)Epistemology (Theory of knowledge)
LCC
B1190Philosophy, Psychology and ReligionPhilosophy (General)By periodModernBy region or country
BISAC

Statistics

Members
437
Popularity
69,989
Reviews
3
Rating
½ (3.48)
Languages
5 — English, French, Latin, Portuguese, Spanish
Media
Paper, Ebook
ISBNs
48
ASINs
18