Historians of science frequently contrast the intellectual foundations of the scientific revolution by examining the methodologies of Francis Bacon and René Descartes. Bacon championed an inductive approach, arguing that true knowledge must be constructed from the systematic accumulation of empirical data. For Bacon, the human mind was an instrument prone to bias and illusion, requiring the strict discipline of sensory observation to reveal the truths of the natural world. Conversely, Descartes pioneered a deductive methodology. Skeptical of the physical senses, which he argued were inherently deceptive, Descartes asserted that scientific inquiry must begin with self-evident, rational premises—axioms derived from pure reason—and proceed logically to specific conclusions. Thus, while Bacon sought to understand nature by looking outward at the physical world, Descartes sought absolute certainty by looking inward at the logical structure of the intellect.
Based on the passage, which of the following statements best characterizes the difference between Bacon's and Descartes's approaches to obtaining scientific knowledge?
- ABacon asserted that scientific inquiry must begin with self-evident axioms, whereas Descartes argued that knowledge must be built from empirical data.
- BBacon believed the human mind is naturally free from bias and requires no discipline, while Descartes believed the physical senses are the only source of absolute certainty.
- Bacon relied on the systematic observation of the external world, whereas Descartes relied on internal rational premises and logical deduction.Answer
- DBacon sought to apply mathematical reasoning to natural observations, while Descartes rejected the use of logic in favor of unstructured introspection.