Bacon, Roger

Abstract

Roger Bacon (c. 1214/20–1292; professor, Paris c. 1240–1248, Franciscan friar at Paris c. 1257–1280, Oxford c. 1280–1292) was one of the first to lecture on the “new” Aristotle as interpreted by Ibn Sīnā and Ibn Rushd. The authenticity of some commentaries on thePhysicsandMetaphysicsof Aristotle have recently been questioned. In the 1260s, writing as a theologian, he composed hisGreat Work,Minor Work,andThird Workat the request of Pope Clement IV. The basis of a sketch of a philosophy of religion is found in hisGreat Work, parts 2 and 7. Bacon basis his philosophy of religion on the metaphysics and moral philosophy of Ibn Sīnā. He also constructs a testimony of the ancient pagan philosophers for the truth of Christian teaching. This is based on Augustine's account inDe civitate Dei,Aethicus Ister, Porphyry as interpreted by Augustine. Bacon argues to the existence of a “natural Knowledge” of the existence of God. This kind of knowledge is logical knowledge distinct from discovery and experience. Above all, he argues for the existence of a first cause that is infinite being. This leads to infinite goodness and infinite wisdom. It is a sketch of an argument that later is found in detail in Duns Scotus.