The
Enlightenment or ‘Age of Reason’ was a period in the late seventeenth century
and early eighteenth century, where a group of philosophers, scientists and
thinkers advocated new ideas based on reason. This period saw a decline in the
power of absolute monarchies, a reduction in the pre-eminence of the Church and
a rise of modern political ideologies, such as liberalism, republicanism and
greater independence of thought. The Enlightenment ideas were influential
forces behind the American and French revolutions.
Francis Bacon (1561 – 1626) English philosopher,
statesman, orator and scientist. Bacon is considered the ‘father of empiricism’
for his work and advocacy of scientific method and methodical scientific
inquiry in investigating scientific phenomena. He encouraged an empirical
approach both through his own example and philosophically. A key figure in the
Scientific Revolution of the 17th Century.
