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Single Idea 12125

[filed under theme 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 2. Natural Purpose / c. Purpose denied ]

Full Idea

To say 'leaves are for protecting of fruit', or that 'clouds are for watering the earth', is well inquired and collected in metaphysic, but in physic they are impertinent. They are hindrances, and the search of the physical causes hath been neglected.

Gist of Idea

Teleological accounts are fine in metaphysics, but they stop us from searching for the causes

Source

Francis Bacon (The Advancement of Learning [1605], II.VII.7)

Book Ref

Bacon,Francis: 'Advancement of Learning/New Atlantis' [OUP 1966], p.113


A Reaction

This is the standard rebellion against Aristotle which gave rise to the birth of modern science. The story has been complicated by natural selection, which bestows a sort of purpose on living things. Nowadays we pursue both paths.


The 20 ideas from Francis Bacon

Science moves up and down between inventions of causes, and experiments [Bacon]
Physics studies transitory matter; metaphysics what is abstracted and necessary [Bacon]
Physics is of material and efficient causes, metaphysics of formal and final causes [Bacon]
Essences are part of first philosophy, but as part of nature, not part of logic [Bacon]
We don't assume there is no land, because we can only see sea [Bacon]
Natural history supports physical knowledge, which supports metaphysical knowledge [Bacon]
Metaphysics is the best knowledge, because it is the simplest [Bacon]
Teleological accounts are fine in metaphysics, but they stop us from searching for the causes [Bacon]
People love (unfortunately) extreme generality, rather than particular knowledge [Bacon]
Many different theories will fit the observed facts [Bacon]
Empiricists are collecting ants; rationalists are spinning spiders; and bees do both [Bacon]
The senses deceive, but also show their own errors [Bacon]
Philosophy is like a statue which is worshipped but never advances [Bacon]
Nature is revealed when we put it under pressure rather than observe it [Bacon]
Only individual bodies exist [Bacon]
Science must clear away the idols of the mind if they are ever going to find the truth [Bacon]
There are only individual bodies containing law-based powers, and the Forms are these laws [Bacon]
Even without religion, there are many guides to morality [Bacon]
Stripped and passive matter is just a human invention [Bacon]
In hylomorphism all the explanation of actions is in the form, and the matter doesn't do anything [Bacon]