Unit 2 Francis Bacon

Learning Objectives Bacon’s major work（s） “Of Marriage and Single Life” “Of Studies” Main idea Bacon’s values as reflected in the two texts Stylistic features

Francis Bacon 1561 –1626 English philosopher, statesman, scientist, lawyer, jurist, author and pioneer of the scientific method

Author of (among other things) THE ESSAYS

THE ESSAYS include topics on: Love Unity in Religion Boldness Revenge Envy Death SIMULATION AND DISSIMULATION Adversity Marriage and Single Life Great Place Parents and Children

Textual Understanding According to Bacon, What are the advantages and disadvantages of marriage? What is the main idea of “Of Studies”?

the advantages and disadvantages of marriage “Obstacles to great causes” “bills of charges” “Bonds to freedom” For personal benefits For public service

Of Studies: Main points the benefits and effects of studies studies are balanced by experience diverse studies may help counteract personal imperfections.

Discussion questions In what ways are Bacon’s essays related to the ideas of Renaissance? What are Bacon’s values towards human and society as reflected in the two essays?

Utilitarianism(实用主义、功利主义） Utilitarianism is a theory holding that the proper course of action is the one that maximizes utility, specifically defined as maximizing happiness and reducing suffering. The most famous exponents of utilitarianism were Jeremy Bentham（边沁） and J. S. Mill（密尔）. What might be some of the shortcomings of such a philosophy?

Discussion Find evidence of Bacon’s utilitarianism from the subject/purpose/tone/style of his writing.

Utilitarianism subject: Purpose: Tone: cold, calculating, shrewd Choice of writing subject: universal needs of people Treatment of writing subject: considering them as things that can bring practical benefits Purpose: to educate (young) people(didacticism) To show people “practical wisdom” on Leading a successful life Improving oneself Tone: cold, calculating, shrewd Style: terse, aphoristic, straightforward

Bacon’s style short and sharp statements: aphorism contraction and expansion of ideas images from daily life use of Latin and Greek expressions

Aphorism An aphoristic style means a compact, condensed and epigrammatic style of writing. “Wives are young men’s mistresses, companions for middle age, and old men’s nurses” “Crafty men condemn studies; simple men admire them; and wise men use them.” “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.” “Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man.”

Presentations Quiz Robinson Crusoe Gulliver’s travels Pp35-51 序言“17世纪文学”“启蒙时期文学”