The Advancement of Learning - Hardcover

Francis Bacon

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 185297012X ISBN 13: 9781852970123

Publisher: Archival Facsimiles Ltd, 1987

Synopsis

This seminal philosophical treatise, originally penned in 1605 and considered the first major philosophical work written in English, also offers the first description of science as a tool to improve the human condition. This breakthrough work of the English Renaissance hailed new times and new possibilities for the human species. Bacon catalogues the current state of learning, the obstacles to its progress, and his own plans for its revitalisation. This facsimile makes available a work that has significantly defined the modern era. The Advancement of Learning was the personal property of Charles I and contains the King's own additions to many of bacon's bried pithy sayings. The initialled'Dum spiro spero' in this book is considered to be a forgery

About this title

Product Description

The nine books of Francis Bacon's famous review of the state of knowledge begin by extolling the dignity of learning and go on to cover topics from natural philosophy to theology.

This book is from the Archival Facsimile series of reprints of first or important editions in the British Library - in this case, the facsimile is of the copy owned by Charles I. Although published in 1987, this is a new book. No jacket.

Review

While he didn't exactly invent science, Francis Bacon is its best-known early promoter. The Advancement of Learning is his 1605 argument in favour of natural philosophy and inductive reasoning, and is just as vigorous and cogent today. Though using the language of Shakespeare, the book is still largely accessible to modern readers--still, a bit of classical knowledge is helpful. Shaking off the centuries-old domination of Aristotle, Bacon advocated building scientific theories on facts and observations rather than pure reason; little has changed in our approach to understanding the world since then. Of greatest interest to historians and philosophers of science, the book will also appeal to those curious about the underpinnings of today's naturalistic thinking. --Rob Lightner

Edition details

• Publisher: Archival Facsimiles Ltd
• Publication date: 1987
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 185297012X
• ISBN 13: 9781852970123
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 624