An ambitious and radically original reading of philosopher Francis Bacon. Comprehensive in its ambitions and meticulous in its approach, The Political Philosophy of Francis Bacon is a new and unique interpretation of one of early modernity’s more important thinkers. Whereas recent works on Bacon tend to confine themselves either to interpreting his historical context or to considering the founder of Baconianism from the perspective of one work in particular or the history of science in general, Tom van Malssen argues, through detailed and provocative interpretations of a number of Baconian writings, that the unity of Bacon’s thought can only be revealed if these writings are read in historical and philosophical conjunction as well as on the assumption that they are all somehow part of the whole of Bacon’s political philosophy. In addition to restoring Bacon to the pantheon of great philosophers, van Malssen demonstrates that a proper understanding of Bacon’s political philosophy contributes significantly to our understanding of the nature of philanthropic science, the modern project, and ultimately ourselves. “This book will become an enduring pillar of our understanding of Bacon’s philosophy. The scholarship and mastery of the historical sources, both philosophic and Biblical, are brilliant.” — Jerry Weinberger, author of Science, Faith, and Politics: Francis Bacon and the Utopian Roots of the Modern Age: A Commentary on Bacon’s Advancement of Learning “The scholarship of Bacon in this book is masterful. It should transform and deepen the field, the ‘field’ being the nature and history of the philosophic life. This is arguably the most thoughtful, penetrating, and ultimately revealing book on Bacon ever written.” — Svetozar Minkov, author of Francis Bacon’s “Inquiry Touching Human Nature”: Virtue, Philosophy, and the Relief of Man’s Estate

The Political Philosophy of Francis Bacon is a remarkable contribution to the study of modernity. Laurence Berns uniquely centers Bacon's thought on foreign policy, clarifying and deepening the great thinker and statesman's overall philosophy: the "Baconian project" of joining together knowledge and power in order to extend the bounds of human empire over nature. In this posthumously-edited version of his dissertation, Berns reveals how Bacon understood his scientific-technological project to surpass both the classical thinkers and Machiavelli in wisdom and ambition. He gives clear accounts of both the many successes of Bacon's modern project, and the many problems that arise because of the increase in humanity's scientific-technical knowledge. For those interested in understanding the political philosophy of one of the founders of modern science, along with coming to terms with some of the philosophical problems associated with that science, Berns's book is indispensable

"Presents close analysis of eight of Francis Bacon's texts in order to investigate the relation of his religious views to his instauration. Attempts to correct the persistent misconception of Bacon as a secular modern who dismissed religion in order to promote the human advancement of knowledge"--Provided by publisher.

Francis Bacon's 'Inquiry Touching Human Nature' is an engagement at a fundamental level with the political and philosophic thought of one of the founders of modernity, Francis Bacon. Bacon had a comprehensive vision of the human situation. And because he saw the costs or dangers of modern life as clearly as he predicted its achievements and boons, Bacon is a thinker who addresses directly and deeply our own perplexities.