- 1. Novum Organum, written by Francis Bacon and published in 1620, is a philosophical work that significantly influenced the development of the scientific method and empirical research. In this treatise, Bacon criticizes the traditional scholastic methodologies of reasoning prevalent in his time, advocating instead for an inductive approach to knowledge acquisition. He proposes that true knowledge must be derived from careful observation and experimentation rather than from mere speculation or reliance on ancient authorities. Bacon introduces the concept of the 'Idols,' or false notions that obstruct true understanding, categorizing them into four types: Idols of the Tribe, Idols of the Cave, Idols of the Marketplace, and Idols of the Theatre. Through this framework, he urges scholars to discard these biases in order to pursue objective truths about the natural world. Novum Organum serves as a foundational text in the philosophy of science, laying the groundwork for modern scientific inquiry and emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, systematic investigation, and a progressive improvement of knowledge through experience. By advocating for a methodical and empirical approach, Bacon's work remains relevant, encouraging future generations of scientists and philosophers to question the status quo and seek knowledge through direct interaction with the material world.
What is the main goal of Francis Bacon's 'Novum Organum'?
A) To promote artistic expression
B) To document English history
C) To critique religious institutions
D) To establish a new method of scientific inquiry
- 2. What does 'Novum Organum' literally mean?
A) Ancient Wisdom
B) New Organism
C) Scientific Revolution
D) New Instrument
- 3. Which philosophical approach does Bacon primarily criticize in 'Novum Organum'?
A) Aristotelian syllogism
B) Socratic dialogue
C) Cartesian dualism
D) Platonic idealism
- 4. What are the four classes of 'Idols' that Bacon identifies as obstacles to knowledge?
A) Idols of Mind, Body, Spirit, and Matter
B) Idols of Past, Present, Future, and Eternity
C) Idols of the Tribe, Cave, Marketplace, and Theater
D) Idols of Nature, Society, Religion, and Politics
- 5. What method does Bacon propose for scientific investigation?
A) Inductive reasoning
B) Divine inspiration
C) Intuitive revelation
D) Deductive reasoning
- 6. Which of these best describes Bacon's view of the relationship between science and religion?
A) They are identical in purpose
B) Science should replace religion
C) They are separate domains that should not interfere
D) Religion should control science
- 7. What is Bacon's term for systematic observation and experimentation?
A) Divine revelation
B) Natural history
C) Philosophical speculation
D) Mathematical proof
- 8. According to Bacon, what is the ultimate purpose of knowledge?
A) To achieve spiritual enlightenment
B) To understand God's mind
C) To improve human life through practical applications
D) To accumulate wealth
- 9. What does Bacon mean by 'Idols of the Tribe'?
A) Errors common to all humans due to human nature
B) Errors from philosophical systems
C) Individual psychological biases
D) Cultural prejudices specific to nations
- 10. In what year was 'Novum Organum' published?
A) 1605
B) 1642
C) 1637
D) 1620
- 11. What is Bacon's famous aphorism about nature?
A) Nature is divine and untouchable
B) Nature to be commanded must be obeyed
C) Nature exists only in the mind
D) Nature is chaos to be tamed
- 12. Which work is 'Novum Organum' part of?
A) Essays
B) The Advancement of Learning
C) The New Atlantis
D) The Great Instauration
- 13. Which scientific field was most influenced by Bacon's methodology?
A) Empirical sciences
B) Theology
C) Pure mathematics
D) Literary criticism
- 14. What is Bacon's term for premature theoretical explanations?
A) Revelations of Truth
B) Anticipations of Nature
C) Divine Interventions
D) Natural Conclusions
- 15. What does Bacon mean by 'Idols of the Marketplace'?
A) Commercial influences on science
B) Economic class prejudices
C) Errors arising from language and communication
D) Urban lifestyle biases
- 16. What is Bacon's view on the role of mathematics in science?
A) It should replace experimentation
B) It is the foundation of all knowledge
C) It is irrelevant to real science
D) It is useful but subordinate to observation
- 17. Which institution later embodied Bacon's scientific ideals?
A) Oxford University
B) Royal Society
C) Vatican Observatory
D) British Museum
- 18. What does Bacon consider the most reliable source of knowledge?
A) Logical deduction
B) Divine revelation
C) Careful observation of nature
D) Ancient texts
- 19. Which century was 'Novum Organum' published in?
A) 16th century
B) 17th century
C) 15th century
D) 18th century
- 20. Which language was 'Novum Organum' originally written in?
A) Greek
B) French
C) Latin
D) English
- 21. Which of these was a major influence on Bacon's thought?
A) Renaissance humanism
B) Romantic poetry
C) Medieval mysticism
D) Eastern philosophy
- 22. Which institution did Bacon hope would implement his scientific method?
A) A collaborative research institution
B) The English monarchy alone
C) The Catholic Church
D) Individual isolated scholars
- 23. What does Bacon mean by 'anticipations of nature'?
A) Artistic inspirations
B) Religious prophecies
C) Preconceived notions without proper evidence
D) Scientific predictions based on data
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