Francis Bacon (1561-1626) was an English philosopher and statesman whose intellectual pursuits laid the foundations for the modern Scientific method. Living during the Enlightenment, Bacon's work bridged the Renaissance with the impending scientific Revolution. His utopian novel "New Atlantis" was published posthumously in 1627, amidst a growing fascination with Exploration and Knowledge. It depicted a fictional Society or community centered on scientific inquiry and Discovery, resonating with an audience captivated by the promise of Progress. Initially garnering praise for its visionary ideas, "New Atlantis" influenced the formation of real scientific societies, like the Royal Society of London. Its legacy endures, inspiring thinkers in fields as diverse as Technology, Sociology, and political theory, and remains a pivotal commentary on the potential of human Innovation.
Guiding Question
How do we balance the pursuit of knowledge with the ethical responsibility it entails?