The Political Philosophy of Francis Bacon : On the Unity of Knowledge

Comprehensive in its ambitions and meticulous in its approach, The Political Philosophy of Francis Bacon is a new and unique interpretation of one of early modernity's more important thinkers. Whereas recent works on Bacon tend to confine themselves either to interpreting his historical context or to considering the founder of Baconianism from the perspective of one work in particular or the history of science in general, Tom van Malssen argues, through detailed and provocative interpretations of a number of Baconian writings, that the unity of Bacon's thought can only be revealed if these writings are read in historical and philosophical conjunction as well as on the assumption that they are all somehow part of the whole of Bacon's political philosophy. In addition to restoring Bacon to the pantheon of great philosophers, Van Malssen demonstrates that a proper understanding of Bacon's political philosophy contributes significantly to our understanding of the nature of philanthropic science, the modern project, and ultimately ourselves. Contents 8 Acknowledgments 10 Abbreviations 12 Introduction 16 Chapter 1: The Art of Transmission 26 Context 28 Method 33 Application 36 Chapter 2: The Baconian Turn 48 Preparation 49 Manifestation 52 Politicians 54 Theologians 55 Philosophers 58 Education 63 Action and Contemplation 65 Submission 67 Adaptation 70 Introspection 73 Attention 74 Dissimulation 76 Determination 78 Philosophy 80 Virtue 88 Morality 91 Empire 95 Midwifery 98 Rhetoric 100 Chapter 3: The Trinity of Philosophy 108 Nature 111 Division 111 Unification 115 Foundations 122 Origins 130 Principles 140 Conclusions 144 History 149 Prophecy 151 Realization 161 Reversion 177 Chapter 4: The Masculine Rebirth of Time 182 Liberation 184 Justification 193 Theologization 199 Expectation 210 Chapter 5: The Perfective Son 216 Disclosure 218 Obfuscation 236 Epilogue 252 Notes 258 Bibliography 326 Primary Sources 326 Secondary Sources 329 Index 334 The Art Of Transmission -- The Baconian Turn -- The Trinity Of Philosophy -- The Masculine Rebirth Of Time -- The Perfective Son. Tom Van Malssen. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.