Single Idea 12123

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 4. Metaphysics as Science]

Full Idea

Knowledges are as pyramides, whereof history is the basis. So of natural philosophy, the basis is natural history, the stage next the basis is physic; the stage next the vertical point is metaphysic.

Gist of Idea

Natural history supports physical knowledge, which supports metaphysical knowledge

Source

Francis Bacon (The Advancement of Learning [1605], II.VII.6)

Book Reference

Bacon,Francis: 'Advancement of Learning/New Atlantis' [OUP 1966], p.112


A Reaction

The father of modern science keeps a place for metaphysics, as the most abstract level above the physical sciences. I would say he is right. It leads to my own slogan: science is the servant of philosophy.