The Paradigm Shift Caused by Francis Bacon

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The time period surrounding the 17th century was the beginning of an era of great scientific advancement in Europe that was known as the Scientific Revolution. It was during this phase that the use of reason and new advances in science resulted in paradigm shifts. Paradigm shifts are shifts in basic assumptions (paradigms) resulting from the discovery of new information that is no longer compatible with existing paradigms, forcing people to shift their mind frame to adapt to the new assumption ("Thomas S. Kuhn"). In this period, many scientists formulated new theories by developing procedures to test new ideas; one of these procedures was the Ba-conian Method. The creator of the Baconian method, Francis Bacon (1561 – 1626), sought to reform and improve the philosophy of science, and thought that logic should have three goals: to correct habits of mind and intellectual mistakes, to supplement correct intellectual habits and compensate for incorrect ones, and to be constructive in the organization of logic gained (Da-vid). In his attempts to reform science and fulfill these goals, Bacon created a paradigm shift from the use of deductive investigation methods, or basing conclusions on a general law, to the inductive Baconian method that based conclusions on factual evidence from observation or experimentation (Smith). Bacon created this shift firstly by pointing out the flaws in other sys-tems of investigation by strongly criticizing several other philosophical approaches to science. Secondly, Bacon attempted to root out corruption or confusion that he felt was caused by other philosophies by encouraging people to acknowledge and compensate for them. Finally, Bacon created a method to organize and interpret data that would help scien... ... middle of paper ... ...65#>. 3. Godfrey, Smith. “The philosophy of science”. Understanding Science. Berkley. Berkley University, n.d. Web. 15 May 2014. . 4. McReynolds, Kathy. Enhancing our way to happiness?: Aristotle versus Bacon on the nature of true happiness. Lanham: University Press of America, 2004. Print. 5. Shouler, Kenneth A.. The everything guide to understanding philosophy: the basic concepts of the greatest thinkers of all time - made easy!. Avon, Mass.: Adams Media, 2008. Print. 6. Simpson, David. “Bacon, Francis.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. University of DePaul, n.d. Web. 15 May 2014. . 7. "Thomas S. Kuhn." Britannica School. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2014. Web. 28 May 2014.

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