The topics transformed : Rethinking Francis Bacon’s prerogative instances
Journal article
Sharpe, Matthew. (2018). The topics transformed : Rethinking Francis Bacon’s prerogative instances. Journal of the History of Philosophy. 56(3), pp. 429-454. https://doi.org/10.1353/hph.2018.0046
Authors | Sharpe, Matthew |
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Abstract | This paper critically examines Stephen Gaukroger's claim that "The list of prerogative or privileged instances [in Bacon's Novum Organum II] … serve very much the function of the topics, as conceived by Aristotle … and by his Renaissance followers as rhetorical guide." Gaukroger's comparison of the prerogatives with the topics provides a basis for an inclusive account of the twenty-seven prerogative instances, including those clearly intended by Bacon as preparatory devices for retraining the mind. Reading the prerogatives backwards in light of the topics, rather than forwards in light of subsequent scientific practices, also allows us to see how different the prerogative instances are, as a "post-topical" discipline of observation of natural phenomena, from their rhetorical forbearers, allowing us to measure accurately the extent of Bacon's innovation in the theorization of discovery. |
Keywords | Bacon; prerogative instances; topics; rhetoric; Novum Organum; history of ideas |
Year | 2018 |
Journal | Journal of the History of Philosophy |
Journal citation | 56 (3), pp. 429-454 |
Publisher | Johns Hopkins University Press |
ISSN | 0022-5053 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1353/hph.2018.0046 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-85049904334 |
Page range | 429-454 |
Publisher's version | License All rights reserved File Access Level Controlled |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 10 Jul 2018 |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 09 Nov 2023 |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/8zyqw/the-topics-transformed-rethinking-francis-bacon-s-prerogative-instances
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