Francis Bacon's use of ancient myths in Novum Organum

Wendell P Macintyre

doi:10.14198/raei.1994.7.10

Abstract

Francis Bacon's monumental work, Novum Organum, is an attempt to establish a new status for mankind. Using some of the most prominent myths —particularly those dealing with the gods Pan, Dionysius, Perseus, and Prometheus— Bacon hoped to inaugurate a new era of success and happiness for his fellow man. In Book I of Novum Organum, Bacon involves these gods and their significances, juxtaposing them with man as he might and could be. In this essay, the author examines about twenty of the "Aphorisms" in Bacon's work, showing the possible impact of the ancient god who is most appropriate for the "Aphorisms" under discussion. This article is clearly a work of utopian proportions, revealing fascinating journeys into the realm of romanticism.

Highlights

Francis Bacon's monumental work, Novum Organum, is an attempt to establish a new status for mankind
I will show how the ancient myths of Pan, Perseus, Dionysius, and Prometheus have an impact on Book I of Francis Bacon's Novum Organum
A selected number of aphorisms from the Novum Organum are used in this study

Summary

Introduction

Francis Bacon's monumental work, Novum Organum, is an attempt to establish a new status for mankind. I will show how the ancient myths of Pan, Perseus, Dionysius, and Prometheus have an impact on Book I of Francis Bacon's Novum Organum. Bacon'sNovum Organum, a part of his Great Instauration, was an attempt to renew and restore man's place in the universe through the study of Natural Philosophy.

Results

Conclusion