English statesman and natural philosopher whose "new method" championed observation and experiment. Bacon’s call to clear away scholastic disputes and search the Scriptures with disciplined inquiry influenced later Enlightenment thinkers who shaped Restoration ideals of reasoned faith.
Relationships
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Inspired: John Locke
Bacon’s empirical approach set the stage for Locke’s philosophy and the appeal to reason in faith and civil life. -
Inspired: Alexander Campbell
Bacon’s writings on science informed Campbell’s religious methodology and aims.
Selected Quotes
“Truth is the daughter of time, not of authority.”
“Knowledge is power.”