| Francis Bacon & The Four Idols | |
Understanding "The Four Idols"
After a three paragraph introduction, which states, "There are four classes of idols which beset men's minds," "The Four Idols" proceeds with a single paragraph devoted to each idol. We get an early sense of how Francis Bacon defines each idol, and we get an idea of what to look for in the following paragraphs.
We come to see that the idols of the tribe are universal human errors such as too uncritical a belief in regularities. The idols of the cave are individual quirks and special pleading. The idols of the theatre are such false systems or "vanities of learning" as the contentious and sophistic manner of the Aristotelian schoolmen whose thoughts still formed the staple of English university education. Bacon then defines the fourth pantheon: the idols of the market-place.
As an added means of achieving clarity, Bacon sets aside a single paragraph - the last - to summarize the main points that he has made, in the order in which they were made.
On to the next page:
Introduction and Enumeration | Understanding "The Four Idols" | Discussion Questions
