Overview

In the early 1600s, Francis Bacon transformed the world as we know it. For many centuries, populations had been subject to plague and famine on a scale difficult to imagine today, with little idea of their causes. In arguing that nature could be understood and systematically put to human service, Bacon changed the course of history, saving and improving countless lives. But his life and the repercussions of his work are mixed. Though much admired, he is difficult to understand. Was he a devout Christian? A Machiavellian political schemer? An unparalleled visionary? Was he the father of modern science, or merely its cheerleader? In this engaging critical work, Innes provides a compelling Reformed analysis of a complex man's complex legacy.

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9781629954493

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Francis Bacon is a key figure in introducing a new way of thinking about the world, at the heart of which is optimistic reliance on scientific method. David Innes has given us a nuanced, thoughtful, and critical introduction to Francis Bacon, in his life and thought. His book moves from Bacon's views to assess the larger issues about science and its dominating role in modern aspirations for knowledge, power, and happiness. I heartily recommend the book as a path for rethinking the role of science from a Christian point of view.--Vern S. Poythress, Professor of New Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary; author, Redeeming Science: A God-Centered Approach Francis Bacon is an excellent brief introduction to Bacon's revolutionary project. David Innes gets it: Bacon's innovative experimentalism, a new hope for worldly progress dissembled under a pseudo-Christianity, a 'total reconstruction' of knowing and arts extending to morals, politics, and especially religion. Innes chronicles all this in short and lively sentences peppered with original observations and conveying serious scholarship. He addresses the contemporary underestimation of Bacon, entertains alternative views (while overawed by none), acknowledges obvious benefits of modern science, and corrects the prevailing translations. Besides, Innes is seriously moral and devout. He raises difficulties with the value-relativism of scientism and the distractions and temptations of the technological outlook--difficulties that beset us all.--Robert K. Faulkner, Research Professor, Boston College; author, Francis Bacon and the Project of Progress

Innes gives an insightful analysis of the sixteenth-century thinker Francis Bacon, whose vision was foundational to the rise of empirical science and technology. . . Innes is a reliable guide, and this book will be especially helpful to readers concerned about how science and technology have shaped the modern worldview. -- Nancy R. Pearcey Professor of Apologetics and Scholar-in-Residence, Houston Baptist University

Author Information

David C. Innes (PhD, Boston College; MDiv, Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary) is professor of politics and chairman of the program in politics, philosophy, and economics at The King's College.

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