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