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Single Idea 12124

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

Full Idea

That knowledge is worthiest which is charged with least multiplicity, which appeareth to be metaphysic

Gist of Idea

Metaphysics is the best knowledge, because it is the simplest

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

A surprising view, coming from the father of modern science, but essentially correct. Obviously metaphysics aspires to avoid multiplicity, but it is riddled not only with complexity in its researches, but massive uncertainties.