more from Francis Bacon

Single Idea 6602

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 7. Despair over Philosophy]

Full Idea

Philosophy and the intellectual sciences stand like statues, worshipped and celebrated, but not moved or advanced.

Gist of Idea

Philosophy is like a statue which is worshipped but never advances

Source

Francis Bacon (Preface to Great Instauration (Renewal) [1620], Vol.4.14), quoted by Robert Fogelin - Walking the Tightrope of Reason Ch.5

Book Reference

Fogelin,Robert: 'Walking the Tightrope of Reason' [OUP 2004], p.137


A Reaction

Still the view of most scientists, I suspect. Personally I disagree, because I think philosophy has made enormous advances, in accurate analysis of arguments. The trouble is there is so much of it that it is hard to discern, and we don't live long enough.