Research Seminar November 14th: John L. Heilbron (Professor Emeritus of History, University of California, Berkeley) - Bacon's Idols Updated

Bacon's Idols Updated (also keynote address of International Conference “Dilemmas of Upright Scientists”)

Francis Bacon grouped obstacles to the improvement of natural science under four heads, which he called Idols. They ran from the makeup of human beings (Idols of the Tribe) to made-up theories (Idols of the Theater). These Idols continue to channel thought and impede progress. I shall begin my talk with modern versions of idolatrous practices and then apply recent experience to examine the iconoclastic methods that Bacon employed in New Atlantis. I end with a proposed improvement of Bacon's arrangements that (it is not too much to say) would transform the practice of science in our time.