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Francis Bacon's most important contribution to political thought was his integration of science and government. Living at a time when scientific knowledge was suspect, Bacon designed an ideal state (in his book New Atlantis) that relied on a "College of Science" or "Solomon's House" to advise and guide government. The phrase "Knowledge is Power" comes from this Baconian idea that science and technology lead to political, economic, and military power and prestige. This makes Bacon one of the first modern political thinkers who believe that humans should control nature for their own purposes through enlightened, scientific knowledge. Much of his writings concern empiricism, or the scientific method for searching for truth (for example, his book Proficience and Advancement of Learning, 1605). This affected his views of politics and religion. His "New Philosophy" encouraged a more machine-like republican state than the prevailing personal monarchy of his time, and he encouraged a critical, skeptical approach to religious faith.
Born to a noble English family, Bacon was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge University, studied law at Gray's Inn in London, and served in Parliament. Under King James I, Bacon served the British monarchy in several administrative positions, including attorney general and lord chancellor. Later in his life, he was accused of bribery and corruption and retired, disgraced, to private life.
Bacon is seen as a transitional figure between the Christian Middle Ages and the modern scientific world.
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