Book SummaryThe Story of Philosophy, by Will Durant

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Story of Philosophy

Francis Bacon's contributions to philosophy and his suggested approaches

Examination of earlier philosophical structures.

Scholasticism created a division between comprehension and both its application in the real world and empirical scrutiny.

Durant portrays Francis Bacon as a critic of the prevailing philosophical methods of his time, which he found to be ineffective, emphasizing theoretical discussions and the preservation of ancient teachings instead of generating practical knowledge that could improve the quality of individual existence. Bacon believed that the mistakes of scholastic philosophers stemmed from their neglect to connect knowledge with empirical application and utility, resulting in an undue focus on verbal subtleties and theoretical speculation that bore scant relevance to the physical realm. He compared their method to a spider intricately spinning a web from its essence, forming complex but ultimately fruitless patterns of thought.

Durant highlights Bacon's critique of the scholastic method for its reliance on deduction in "The Advancement of Learning," where it starts with general principles and attempts to deduce specific conclusions. Bacon contended that although this approach could augment current understanding, it falls short in uncovering novel information. He believed that the scholastics had become enslaved to the authority of Aristotle, blindly accepting his pronouncements as starting points for their deductions, rather than venturing out to observe and interrogate nature directly. Attempts to go beyond Aristotle's teachings by utilizing his principles only added to the perplexity.

The unwavering use of Aristotelian techniques led to a cessation of progress in scientific endeavors, even though substantial transformations were taking place around the world.

Durant noted that Bacon perceived the sciences of his time as stagnant, contributing little to the advancement of knowledge. He believed that the lack of progress was due to the persistent dependence on Aristotelian techniques and the unwavering adoration of classical scholars, even though the world had undergone considerable transformations since Aristotle's time. A fresh epoch emerged, necessitating novel methods for exploration and research due to the unveiling of the American continent, the creation of the printing press, and the growth of commerce and industry.

Durant explains that Bacon disapproved of the scholastic method due to its reliance on deductive reasoning inherited from Aristotle, which led to perpetual arguments and dissatisfaction that always seemed to return to their initial premises. Since the time of Aristotle, the advancement in knowledge had been minimal over a span of two millennia, a situation he attributed to philosophers' inclination to replicate the findings and emulate the techniques of Aristotle rather than challenging antiquated assumptions and venturing into uncharted territories of nature. Bacon firmly believed in the critical need for a significant "Instauration," a thorough overhaul of philosophy to free it from outdated traditions and to introduce new methods for comprehending nature and generating useful knowledge.

A novel viewpoint on the domain of philosophical study.

The emphasis on practicality showcases that power is derived from the cultivation of tangible results.

Durant emphasizes the emphasis placed by Bacon on cultivating knowledge aimed at practical application and the betterment of human well-being, steering clear of purely theoretical musings or the pursuit of intricate doctrines. He was acclaimed for his conviction that true understanding goes beyond contemplation and includes the ability to control and apply nature for the betterment of humanity, a concept concisely encapsulated by the phrase, "having knowledge entails the power to shape outcomes." In contrast to the scholastic philosophers who delighted in demonstrating their mental acumen through intricate discussions and subtle distinctions, Bacon stressed the significance of practical results and advantages that could enhance human ability and well-being.

Experience serves as the foundation upon which knowledge and its subsequent consequences are constructed.

Durant emphasizes the critical role played by Bacon in elevating the importance of empirical results and evidence as the cornerstone of knowledge, marking a departure from the conventional scholarly method that relied on deductions from accepted teachings. Genuine comprehension, according to Bacon, is derived from engaging directly with the natural environment and applying the knowledge acquired in practical situations, instead of relying on theoretical deduction. Durant portrays Bacon as stressing the importance of engaging with nature through careful...

The Story of Philosophy Summary The fundamental principles and essential doctrines attributed to Immanuel Kant.

The background holds significance that is both historical and philosophical.

The Enlightenment era highlighted the power of human reasoning to tackle all obstacles, which in turn clashed with traditional religious doctrines.

Durant demonstrates that Kant's philosophical methodology emerged in response to the advancements of the Enlightenment and their ensuing clash with traditional religious convictions. The period known as the Enlightenment, emphasizing reason and empirical proof, ignited a widespread reassessment of long-held religious beliefs. Diderot and Voltaire, along with Hume, employed analytical thinking and critical analysis to question the prevailing doctrines and influence of religious institutions, promoting a perspective that prioritized worldly matters. The progression of intellectual pursuits, fueled by scientific and technological progress, fostered a questioning attitude that confronted traditional societal structures.

Hume's skepticism posed a significant challenge to the credibility of knowledge, leading to a critical examination of the principles underlying scientific research and the core doctrines of faith.

Durant explores Hume's...

The Story of Philosophy Summary Nietzsche's philosophical thought and its developmental essence.

Intellectual and Cultural Lineage

The application of Darwinian principles to ethical considerations implies that robustness is deemed the most crucial attribute in the struggle for existence.

Durant demonstrates how Nietzsche, influenced by Darwin's theories, sought to apply the principles of survival competition and natural selection to the realm of morality. Life is an ongoing struggle for existence, with the fittest emerging victorious, prompting Nietzsche to declare that the essential quality is fortitude, and that the only fault lies in frailty. From this viewpoint, virtues are associated with traits that enhance the well-being and success of both the person and humankind, while anything that diminishes or hinders the affirmative expression of life is deemed harmful.

Observers have noted that even after embracing Darwinian theories, thinkers continue to uphold the principles of Christian morality, despite having abandoned the typically associated religious foundations.

Durant highlights Nietzsche's criticism of some intellectuals who, although they rejected the religious foundations of Christianity, still clung to an ethical system that was influenced...

The Story of Philosophy Summary A Synopsis of the Progressive Development in Philosophical Thought

Philosophical contemplation originated in ancient Greece.

The emergence of explanations for the universe based on natural phenomena, transcending mythological narratives and supernatural forces.

Durant observes that the ancient Greeks are acknowledged for initiating the journey of Western philosophy, marking a significant shift from earlier societies through their promotion of comprehending the cosmos based on natural phenomena, thereby moving away from the longstanding mythological and supernatural justifications that dominated human thought for centuries. Philosophers like Thales and Anaximander explored the fundamental nature of being, concentrating on the properties of matter, the principles of motion, and the mechanisms of change, aiming to explain the cosmos through natural principles rather than ascribing it to divine intervention. The emphasis on identifying causes rooted in nature and utilizing logical analysis marked a profound shift in human thinking, laying a robust groundwork for the progression of scientific and philosophical exploration.

The initial thinkers preceding Socrates were engaged in a quest to understand the fundamental nature of...