- 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 establish a new method of scientific inquiry
B) To promote artistic expression
C) To critique religious institutions
D) To document English history
- 2. What does 'Novum Organum' literally mean?
A) Ancient Wisdom
B) New Organism
C) New Instrument
D) Scientific Revolution
- 3. Which philosophical approach does Bacon primarily criticize in 'Novum Organum'?
A) Cartesian dualism
B) Platonic idealism
C) Aristotelian syllogism
D) Socratic dialogue
- 4. What are the four classes of 'Idols' that Bacon identifies as obstacles to knowledge?
A) Idols of the Tribe, Cave, Marketplace, and Theater
B) Idols of Mind, Body, Spirit, and Matter
C) Idols of Past, Present, Future, and Eternity
D) Idols of Nature, Society, Religion, and Politics
- 5. What method does Bacon propose for scientific investigation?
A) Intuitive revelation
B) Inductive reasoning
C) Deductive reasoning
D) Divine inspiration
- 6. Which of these best describes Bacon's view of the relationship between science and religion?
A) Science should replace religion
B) They are separate domains that should not interfere
C) Religion should control science
D) They are identical in purpose
- 7. What is Bacon's term for systematic observation and experimentation?
A) Natural history
B) Mathematical proof
C) Philosophical speculation
D) Divine revelation
- 8. According to Bacon, what is the ultimate purpose of knowledge?
A) To accumulate wealth
B) To achieve spiritual enlightenment
C) To understand God's mind
D) To improve human life through practical applications
- 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) 1620
B) 1642
C) 1637
D) 1605
- 11. What is Bacon's famous aphorism about nature?
A) Nature exists only in the mind
B) Nature to be commanded must be obeyed
C) Nature is chaos to be tamed
D) Nature is divine and untouchable
- 12. Which work is 'Novum Organum' part of?
A) The Great Instauration
B) The Advancement of Learning
C) Essays
D) The New Atlantis
- 13. Which scientific field was most influenced by Bacon's methodology?
A) Empirical sciences
B) Pure mathematics
C) Theology
D) Literary criticism
- 14. What is Bacon's term for premature theoretical explanations?
A) Revelations of Truth
B) Natural Conclusions
C) Divine Interventions
D) Anticipations of Nature
- 15. What does Bacon mean by 'Idols of the Marketplace'?
A) Errors arising from language and communication
B) Economic class prejudices
C) Commercial influences on science
D) Urban lifestyle biases
- 16. What is Bacon's view on the role of mathematics in science?
A) It is irrelevant to real science
B) It is useful but subordinate to observation
C) It is the foundation of all knowledge
D) It should replace experimentation
- 17. Which institution later embodied Bacon's scientific ideals?
A) Vatican Observatory
B) British Museum
C) Oxford University
D) Royal Society
- 18. What does Bacon consider the most reliable source of knowledge?
A) Logical deduction
B) Ancient texts
C) Careful observation of nature
D) Divine revelation
- 19. Which century was 'Novum Organum' published in?
A) 16th century
B) 18th century
C) 17th century
D) 15th century
- 20. Which language was 'Novum Organum' originally written in?
A) French
B) Greek
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) Individual isolated scholars
B) The Catholic Church
C) A collaborative research institution
D) The English monarchy alone
- 23. What does Bacon mean by 'anticipations of nature'?
A) Religious prophecies
B) Artistic inspirations
C) Preconceived notions without proper evidence
D) Scientific predictions based on data
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