c. 1214-1292

English Philosopher, Educational Reformer, and Franciscan Monk

Roger Bacon played a key role in the early stages of the movement which eventually led to the Scientific Revolution. Instead of relying on rational deductions from the statements of ancient authorities for truths about the natural world, he advocated that confirmation by observation or experiment using the methods of mathematics should be required. While not successful in having his ideas accepted during his lifetime, his writings brought attention to this new way of thinking. He is regarded as an important medieval proponent of experimental science.

Bacon was born into a prominent family. His education emphasized the classics, geometry, arithmetic, music, and astronomy. He received his baccalaureate at Oxford University (c. 1233) and his masters at Paris (c. 1241). He subsequently lectured (1240-1247) on newly translated Aristotelian texts, helping introduce Aristotelian thought to Europe. Returning to Oxford in 1247, he...