Sunday, January 24, 2010
Truth or Works?
In aphorism 73, Bacon writes, "Of all signs there is none more certain or more noble than that taken from fruits. For fruits and works are as it were sponsors and sureties for the truth of philosophy," and then later, "the system [of philosophy] should be judged of by its fruits, and pronounced frivolous if it be barren." These few statements reveal several things about Bacon. First, he believes that a true axiom naturally produces works. Secondly, the truthfulness of an axiom rests on the quality of the works. Since the science he inherited was "barren of works," it is no wonder he rejects the dogmas of the Ancients. But one wonders if Bacon is really after truth; perhaps he is more interested in producing works. The very fact that he believes that works are the standard by which a system is judged suggests a subordination of philosophy to this new method of natural science. Concerning natural science, Bacon's new method is unquestionably better at producing works than that of the Ancients. But natural science does not seem to be the only realm where truth is sought after; why neglect these other areas?
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What would be an example of an area in which one can seek the truth which does not produce fruits?
ReplyDeleteIs Bacon's method actually that productive? Clearly his idea, let's focus on invention and utility, has been variously realized by intervening human effort. So his manifesto or call to arms is a success. But Bacon's method itself (as seen in NO II, past where we read for class) may not be very efficient or even helpful. Gathering laborious natural histories seems like a slow route to useful discovery. See Mr. C. Smith's post on hypothesis.
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