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The topics transformed : Rethinking Francis Bacon’s prerogative instances
Sharpe, Matthew
Sharpe, Matthew
Author
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
Date
2018
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of the History of Philosophy
Book
Volume
56
Issue
3
Page Range
429-454
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Philosophy
Faculty of Theology and Philosophy
Faculty of Theology and Philosophy
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Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled