- 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 critique religious institutions
C) To promote artistic expression
D) To document English history
- 2. What does 'Novum Organum' literally mean?
A) Scientific Revolution
B) New Instrument
C) New Organism
D) Ancient Wisdom
- 3. Which philosophical approach does Bacon primarily criticize in 'Novum Organum'?
A) Aristotelian syllogism
B) Platonic idealism
C) Socratic dialogue
D) Cartesian dualism
- 4. What are the four classes of 'Idols' that Bacon identifies as obstacles to knowledge?
A) Idols of Nature, Society, Religion, and Politics
B) Idols of Mind, Body, Spirit, and Matter
C) Idols of Past, Present, Future, and Eternity
D) Idols of the Tribe, Cave, Marketplace, and Theater
- 5. What method does Bacon propose for scientific investigation?
A) Intuitive revelation
B) Deductive reasoning
C) Divine inspiration
D) Inductive reasoning
- 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) They are identical in purpose
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 understand God's mind
B) To accumulate wealth
C) To achieve spiritual enlightenment
D) To improve human life through practical applications
- 9. What does Bacon mean by 'Idols of the Tribe'?
A) Cultural prejudices specific to nations
B) Individual psychological biases
C) Errors from philosophical systems
D) Errors common to all humans due to human nature
- 10. In what year was 'Novum Organum' published?
A) 1637
B) 1642
C) 1605
D) 1620
- 11. What is Bacon's famous aphorism about nature?
A) Nature is chaos to be tamed
B) Nature exists only in the mind
C) Nature to be commanded must be obeyed
D) Nature is divine and untouchable
- 12. Which work is 'Novum Organum' part of?
A) The Advancement of Learning
B) The Great Instauration
C) The New Atlantis
D) Essays
- 13. Which scientific field was most influenced by Bacon's methodology?
A) Empirical sciences
B) Theology
C) Literary criticism
D) Pure mathematics
- 14. What is Bacon's term for premature theoretical explanations?
A) Natural Conclusions
B) Divine Interventions
C) Revelations of Truth
D) Anticipations of Nature
- 15. What does Bacon mean by 'Idols of the Marketplace'?
A) Errors arising from language and communication
B) Urban lifestyle biases
C) Commercial influences on science
D) Economic class prejudices
- 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 should replace experimentation
D) It is the foundation of all knowledge
- 17. Which institution later embodied Bacon's scientific ideals?
A) Royal Society
B) Vatican Observatory
C) British Museum
D) Oxford University
- 18. What does Bacon consider the most reliable source of knowledge?
A) Divine revelation
B) Logical deduction
C) Ancient texts
D) Careful observation of nature
- 19. Which century was 'Novum Organum' published in?
A) 17th century
B) 18th century
C) 15th century
D) 16th century
- 20. Which language was 'Novum Organum' originally written in?
A) Latin
B) English
C) French
D) Greek
- 21. Which of these was a major influence on Bacon's thought?
A) Medieval mysticism
B) Renaissance humanism
C) Eastern philosophy
D) Romantic poetry
- 22. Which institution did Bacon hope would implement his scientific method?
A) The Catholic Church
B) A collaborative research institution
C) Individual isolated scholars
D) The English monarchy alone
- 23. What does Bacon mean by 'anticipations of nature'?
A) Artistic inspirations
B) Scientific predictions based on data
C) Preconceived notions without proper evidence
D) Religious prophecies
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