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Single Idea 12119

[from 'The Advancement of Learning' by Francis Bacon, in 1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 5. Metaphysics beyond Science ]

Full Idea

Physic should contemplate that which is inherent in matter, and therefore transitory; and metaphysic that which is abstracted and fixed

Clarification

'Physic' here is 'physics' (not 'medicine')

Gist of Idea

Physics studies transitory matter; metaphysics what is abstracted and necessary

Source

Francis Bacon (The Advancement of Learning [1605], II.VII.3)

Book Reference

Bacon,Francis: 'Advancement of Learning/New Atlantis' [OUP 1966], p.108


A Reaction

He cites the ancients for this view, with which he agrees. One could do worse than hang onto metaphysics as the study of necessities, but must then face the attacks of the Quineans - that knowledge of necessities is beyond us.