Comparison Between Rene Descartes And Francis Bacons Scientific Method

Running head: COMPARISON BETWEEN RENE DESCARTES AND FRANCIS BACON’S

SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Comparison between Rene Descartes and Francis Bacon’s Scientific Method

Course

Date

COMPARISON BETWEEN RENE DESCARTES AND FRANCIS BACON’S SCIENTIFIC

METHODS 2

Similarities and Differences between Descartes and Francis Bacon’s Scientific method

Introduction

Science and Philosophy are two disciplines that often share ideas to develop their

arguments. The scientific method is a set of principles and procedures that helps scientists to

gain knowledge and correct previous knowledge through investigations and observations.

However, not all methods qualify to be scientific. For a method to be scientific, it must have

the relevant evidence to test it, which has the support of reasoning. This shows the

relationship between science and philosophy because reasoning is one of the corner stones of

philosophy

. In most cases, scientists always thrive to explain their theories using deductions

and experiments. The ability to make these deductions depends on their reasoning capabilities

and understanding of philosophical tools.

It has taken time for scientists and philosophers come up with the scientific method

due to different standpoints on understanding scientific knowledge among the parties that are

involved. Rene Descartes and Francis Bacon are among the philosophers with immense

contributions in the development and history of the scientific method. The main contributions

of Descartes to the development of the scientific method are in his book, Discourse on the

Method for Rightly Directing One’s Reason and Searching for Truth in the Sciences

. His

main proposition was the need for demonstrative science that capitalizes on making

inferences and deductions for self-observable traits. This has been unlike the previous

Gimbel, Steven. Exploring the scientific method: cases and questions. (Chicago: The University of Chicago Press,

2011), 135.

Jim Jones, Background to Thinking Clearly and Distinctly by Rene Descartes (Chicago: West Chester University

of Pennsylvannia, 2002), 99.

COMPARISON BETWEEN RENE DESCARTES AND FRANCIS BACON’S SCIENTIFIC

METHODS 3

methods of science that depended on experiments and observation. At this point, it is clear

that Descartes applied epistemology in science. Epistemology is a branch of science that deals

with the study of the nature and range of knowledge. His method of analysis depends on how

one can use what he or she knows (knowledge) to make rational scientific observations and

deductions. Descartes came up with various rules that would establish a new system of

understanding science from the reasoning and knowledge point of view.

Francis Bacon has also had immense contributions in the fields of philosophy and

science. People refer to Bacon as ‘the prophet of the scientific revolution’ because he began

expressing interest in science at an early age. His main argument was that individuals had to

question what their minds perceive to be satisfied with facts. Bacon believed that inductive

reasoning was the only way of understanding nature and science. Unlike Descartes who

concentrated on epistemology, Bacon mainly stressed on natural philosophy, science and their

contributions towards technological advancements. Bacon appreciated the possibility of

human bias and perception affecting the validity of scientific deductions. He argued that it

was important to use experimentation as a way of identifying particular patterns. Analysis of

the patterns would help in making generalized inductions. Therefore, his scientific method

depended on inductive reasoning as opposed to Descartes’ method of deductive reasoning. It

is clear that the two thinkers shared the similarity of using reasoning in science, but their

methods of reasoning were different. They also questioned the ability of the mind in making

rational decisions throughout the process of of observation. Whereas, Rene Descartes and

Francis Bacon’s methods advocate for the use of the mind in reasoning, they present different

approaches towards reasoning.

COMPARISON BETWEEN RENE DESCARTES AND FRANCIS BACON’S SCIENTIFIC

METHODS 4

Biographical information and historical context of Descartes and Bacon

Born at La Haye in France (1596), Rene Descartes gained his education at the Jesuit

school of La Fleche where he acquired knowledge in mathematics, science and philosophy.

He later graduated after studying law in 1616

. Descartes later joined the army as a way of

broadening his experience and skills in different fields. He could study science when he had

time while still in the army. It was while he was studying that he observed how science

depended on past authorities rather than present observations. Therefore, he set out to do his

own investigations and determine how reasoning can apply in science. He published the

Discourse on Method which contained his observations and conclusions. Descartes passed

away in 1650. Descartes came at a time when scientific revolution was at its peak. There was

the importance of science in all structures to encourage technological advancement.

Francis Bacon, born in 1561, was an English philosopher, scientist and even an author.

He studied at the Trinity College at the age of twelve and later studied law. He worked in the

field of law before embarking on a political dimension of life. He believed that his political

interests would help him advance his ideas on the advancement of science. He served as an

attorney and a speaker in Parliament, which helped him gain popularity

. Bacon wrote on the

structures upon which science was built and questioned the people’s understanding of natural

philosophy. Bacon’s main interest was the validity and the ability of the mind in making

Vrooman, Jack Rochford. Rene

Descartes: a biography. (Putnam, 1970), 13-167.

Zagorin, Perez. Francis Bacon. (Princeton, N.J.: Princeton Univ. Press, 1998), 23

COMPARISON BETWEEN RENE DESCARTES AND FRANCIS BACON’S SCIENTIFIC

METHODS 5

inferences. He wrote books on how we should question the mind using inductive reasoning.

He passed away in 1626

. Just like Descartes, Bacon’s ideas helped in improving technology

through science in the scientific revolution.

This essay will use the excerpt A Method of Thinking Clearly and Distinctly from the

Discourse Method. Descartes published this book to record some arguments and contributions

towards science and philosophy. The book contains the rules and principles that Descartes

developed to help in the new understanding of science. The works of Descartes came at a time

when the world was experiencing he scientific revolution. Science was the only way to

achieve technological progress that was the ultimate goal of many countries. Therefore,

Descartes’ work was very influential in the process technological advancement. Similarly,

Bacon’s Scientific Method came at a time when the world needed to understand science as a

prerequisite for technological improvements. The book contains various propositions and

arguments that Bacon raised in his quest of understanding science and natural philosophy.

The works of Descartes and Bacon came at a time when it was important to understand

science, which is important in technological advancements.

Comparison of the scientific method by Rene Descartes and Francis Bacon

There are observable differences and similarities in the approaches to the scientific

method of Descartes and Francis Bacon. However, these differences show congruence in the

final results because the two approaches arrive at almost similar conclusions. The differences

Solomon, Julie Robin. Francis Bacon and the refiguring of early modern thought: essays to commemorate the

advancement of learning (1605-2005). (Aldershot [u.a.]: Ashgate, 2005), 34 - 123.

COMPARISON BETWEEN RENE DESCARTES AND FRANCIS BACON’S SCIENTIFIC

METHODS 6

are in terms of the methodologies the two philosophers used, but their motives and results are

similar. Descartes and Bacon had different contributions and propositions to the scientific

method thought they shared some similarities in some instances. The bacon’s main interest

was to use science to understand nature, which will help man in dominating nature. Bacon

believed that experimentation and observation were the foundations of science. Man is

capable of identifying various unbiased facts from observations in an experiment. Correlating

the facts gives the best fact that is a combination of experimentation, observation and

inductive thinking. However, Descartes proposed a system where reasoning, logic and

mathematics were responsible for understanding nature.

According to Descartes, there are standard principles upon which deductive reasoning

bases its premises. This differs from Bacon’s ideas who believed that observations were

important in inducing assumptions. This implies that Descartes method was from top to

bottom while Bacon’s method was the other way round. A critical analysis of the Discourse

Method by Descartes reveals that he mainly used mathematics to support his arguments and

experiments. On the other hand, Bacon’s expertise in law helped him in supporting his

arguments

. However, it is worth noting that this difference is in terms of the tools used to

support the scientific method but not in the application of the scientific method. Furthermore,

Bacon depended more on the results of experimentation while Descartes did not find any

importance in experimentation. Descartes challenges the observation and experimental

approaches to science and suggests the need to incorporate reasoning and thinking in science.

Gauch, Hugh G. Scientific method in practice. (Cambridge [u.a.]: Cambridge University Press, 2003), 78.

COMPARISON BETWEEN RENE DESCARTES AND FRANCIS BACON’S SCIENTIFIC

METHODS 7

According to Bacon, using the mind to make scientific observations and conclusions

brings about bias and imperfections. He suggests that the process and role of making these

conclusions and observations should involve all senses to explain nature. On the contrary,

Descartes maintains that logic, reasoning and rationality are the central points of explaining

nature

. It is for this reason that Bacon applied identification of behavioral patterns to make

generalizations. Descartes invested in the breakdown of observations and subjected them to

further analysis and introspection to establish the truth (rule two in Descartes’ set of rules and

principles). Bacon does not challenge the quality of observations while Descartes stresses on

the importance of challenging observations to find out the truth about something.

Both Descartes and Bacon believed in the ability of doubt and reasoning to find out

the truth. Descartes maintains that one must challenge the mind by doubting observations with

knowledge and facts. Similarly, Bacon held the view that individuals should always question

the mind to avoid misconceptions and bias. This similarity shows the connection between

science and philosophy. While Descartes uses the epistemology branch to support science,

Bacon uses natural philosophy in science. Bacon challenged the validity and application of

the methods that other philosophers to explain nature. For instance, he challenged Aristotle’s

logic and reasoning and exposed the flaws that the ancient thinkers did not consider in their

propositions and arguments. Descartes also did not agree with Aristotle's view of nature and

the universe.

Nordgren, Tim. “The Scientific Methods of Rene Descartes and Francis Bacon”. Things Revealed 5 (2009),17 –

94.

COMPARISON BETWEEN RENE DESCARTES AND FRANCIS BACON’S SCIENTIFIC

METHODS 8

The other similarity shared by Descartes and Bacon is that the two maintained that

science needed to be free from personal and societal perceptions as well as bias. Bacon

identified “idols” that the old understanding of science and nature based its facts. One of the

“idols” was the idol of the cave. Francis Bacon challenged this line of thinking because it

gave way for personal points of view and thereby subject to bias. Bacon had an extra

emphasis on Aristotle’s previous contributions in the field of science and nature

. Descartes

held the view that the mind was prone to deceit and influence from other external forces. He

stressed on the importance of rational judgement and thinking in an attempt to find out the

truth about certain observations. Rational judgement helps in making viable conclusions that

are devoid of any personal influence.

The combination of the ideas created a standardized method of approaching science

and understanding nature. These standardized methods led to the present day scientific

method, which is a combination of the ideas of the two. Another similarity that Bacon and

Descartes share is that they both established flaws in the past versions of understanding

science. They focused on how to counter the limitations by coming up with new suggestions

that would avoid the flaws in the past accounts of science

Descartes did not find favor with the approach to science that depended on

experiments and observations only, which influenced him establish a system that would

incorporate the use of the mind in making rational judgments. Bacon challenged the

Jardine, Lisa. Francis Bacon: discovery and the art of discourse. (London: Cambridge University Press, 1974), 54.

Fowler, William Stewart. The development of scientific method. (Oxford: Pergamon, 1962), 65.

COMPARISON BETWEEN RENE DESCARTES AND FRANCIS BACON’S SCIENTIFIC

METHODS 9

foundations upon which early thinkers and scientists used to explain nature. He argued that it

was not on point to use experiments to obtain observations. He advocated for the need to use

observations to come up with possibilities and then use the senses in establishing h

relationship between different observations.

The main similarity between Descartes and Bacon’s lines of thinking is that the two

approaches to arrive at the same standardized method of understanding science and nature.

The difference comes in because the two applied different types of reasoning to express their

concerns. It is possible to summarize Bacon’s arguments into three main steps. The first step

involves identifying different possible observations from a particular situation or experiment.

These observations are the set of all possibilities in a specific event or experiment. The second

step is the application of inductive reasoning to identify the assumptions and strength of the

observations. Inductive reasoning involves introspection of individual observations and using

facts and knowledge to find out the truth behind individual observations. The final step is the

identification of common trends and patterns in the introspected observations

. The common

trends help in coming up with a common generalized conclusion that summarizes the truths in

all the observations.

Alternatively, it is possible to summarize Rene Descartes contributions towards the

development of the scientific method into four main rules and principles. The first rule and

principle eliminates the possibility of prejudice and bias in the observations. He argues that is

important to consider whether observations have the support of facts before making

Cavanagh, John Bernard. The scientific method of Francis Bacon. (Thesis (M.A.--Philosophy)--Catholic

University of America, 1932), 256.

COMPARISON BETWEEN RENE DESCARTES AND FRANCIS BACON’S SCIENTIFIC

METHODS 10

conclusions on the observation. The second principle involves division of the observations

into smaller units to make it easy for analysis. The third principle is the application of

deductive reasoning, which follows a specific pattern. One must start with the issues that are

simple before reasoning in complex and difficult issues. The final step is a summary where

the accuracy of the results of deductive thinking is measured through rationality measures

The final principle synthesizes all possible points of view into a complex conclusion.

Conclusion

The modern scientific method is the combination of the efforts and works of different

thinkers and scientists. Rene Descartes and Francis Bacon are among the thinkers who have

had immense contributions towards the development of the scientific method. The essay has

compared the contributions of each by identifying the similarities and differences of their

accounts. From the essay, it is clear that the main difference between Descartes’ and Bacon’s

accounts is the method of reasoning that they use to defend their arguments. Descartes uses

deductive reasoning while bacon uses inductive reasoning. All differences converge to the

same similarity that the two accounts strive to achieve a standardized way of understanding

science and nature. Furthermore, the works of Descartes and Bacon came at a time where

science was important to enhance technological progress in the wake the scientific

revolution. Therefore, it is worth concluding that Rene Descartes and Francis Bacon have had

immense contributions in the development of the scientific method.

Jim Jones, Background to Thinking Clearly and Distinctly by Rene Descartes (Chicago: West Chester University

of Pennsylvannia, 2002), 154

COMPARISON BETWEEN RENE DESCARTES AND FRANCIS BACON’S SCIENTIFIC

METHODS 11

COMPARISON BETWEEN RENE DESCARTES AND FRANCIS BACON’S SCIENTIFIC

METHODS 12

Bibliography

Gauch, Hugh G. 2003. Scientific method in practice. Cambridge [u.a.]: Cambridge University

Press.

Gimbel, Steven. 2011. Exploring the scientific method: cases and questions. Chicago: The

University of Chicago Press.

Fowler, William Stewart. 1962. The development of scientific method. Oxford: Pergamon.

Jones, Jim. 2002. Background to Thinking Clearly and Distinctly by Rene Descartes.

Chicago: West Chester University of Pennsylvannia.

Cavanagh, John Bernard. 1932. The scientific method of Francis Bacon. Thesis (M.A.--

Philosophy)--Catholic University of America.

Zagorin, Perez. 1998. Francis Bacon. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton Univ. Press.

Vrooman, Jack Rochford. 1970. Rene

Descartes: a biography. Putnam.

Nordgren, Tim. “The Scientific Methods of Rene Descartes and Francis Bacon”. Things

Revealed 5 (2009) 17 – 94.

Jardine, Lisa. 1974. Francis Bacon: discovery and the art of discourse. London: Cambridge

University Press.

Solomon, Julie Robin. 2005. Francis Bacon and the refiguring of early modern thought:

essays to commemorate the advancement of learning (1605-2005). Aldershot [u.a.]:

Ashgate.

COMPARISON BETWEEN RENE DESCARTES AND FRANCIS BACON’S SCIENTIFIC

METHODS 13

Place new order. It's free, fast and safe

Paper type

Deadline

Page count

550 words

Total price: $ 15.00

Our customers say

Jeff Curtis

USA, Student

"I'm fully satisfied with the essay I've just received. When I read it, I felt like it was exactly what I wanted to say, but couldn’t find the necessary words. Thank you!"

Ian McGregor

UK, Student

"I don’t know what I would do without your assistance! With your help, I met my deadline just in time and the work was very professional. I will be back in several days with another assignment!"

Shannon Williams

Canada, Student

"It was the perfect experience! I enjoyed working with my writer, he delivered my work on time and followed all the guidelines about the referencing and contents."

Comparison between Rene Descartes and Francis Bacons Scientific Method

Place new order. It's free, fast and safe

Our customers say

Jeff Curtis

Ian McGregor

Shannon Williams