Roger Bacon (c.1214–c.1292,) byname Doctor Mirabilis (Latin: “Wonderful Teacher,”) was an English Franciscan philosopher and scientist regarded as a forerunner of modern science. A major medieval proponent of experimental science, or “scientia experimentalis” and mathematical proof.
Born in Ilchester, England, Somerset, Bacon studied and lectured at Oxford and Paris. He wrote commentaries on Aristotle’s previously forbidden works on physics and metaphysics, and began to gain a reputation for unconventional learning in philosophy, magic, and alchemy.
Starting in 1247, Bacon devoted himself to experimental science and joined the Franciscan Order, returning to Oxford in 1250. In Paris, he compiled his Opus Majus (1266–67; ‘Greater Work,’) which is hailed as a foundation work in modern science. Along with two other works, Opus Minus (‘Lesser Work’) and Opus Tertius (‘Third Work,’) Opus Majus represented a summary of all his learning as requested by Pope Clement IV. After Clement died in 1268, Bacon ran out of favor, and the Franciscans condemned his work in alchemy and his writings. He was imprisoned in 1277 for “suspected novelties” and dangerous doctrine but died a disappointed man in Oxford soon after his release.
Despite scrutiny and suppression by the Franciscans, Bacon published many works on mathematics, philosophy, and logic whose importance was only established in later centuries. He developed many theories about lighter-than-air flying machines, motorized land- and sea-transport, the circumnavigation of the globe, and the construction of microscopes and telescopes.
British science writer Brian Clegg wrote the popular biography The First Scientist: A Life of Roger Bacon (2003.)
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The strongest arguments prove nothing so long as the conclusions are not verified by experience. Experimental science is the queen of sciences and the goal of all speculation.
—Roger Bacon
Argument is conclusive… but… it does not remove doubt, so that the mind may rest in the sure knowledge of the truth, unless it finds it by the method of experiment. For if any man who never saw fire proved by satisfactory arguments that fire burns. his hearer’s mind would never be satisfied, nor would he avoid the fire until he put his hand in it that he might learn by experiment what argument taught.
—Roger Bacon
Topics: Argument
Reasoning draws a conclusion, but does not make the conclusion certain, unless the mind discovers it by the path of experience.
—Roger Bacon
Topics: Reason
All science requires mathematics. The knowledge of mathematical things is almost innate in us. This is the easiest of sciences, a fact which is obvious in that no one’s brain rejects it; for laymen and people who are utterly illiterate know how to count and reckon.
—Roger Bacon
Topics: Mathematics
Reasoning draws a conclusion and makes us grant the conclusion, but does not make the conclusion certain, nor does it remove doubt.
—Roger Bacon
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