Four Idols of Bacon - Assignment Example

We see stars in a disorganized form and try to organize them in a pattern, into objects and forms. The second form, idols of the cave relate to distortions that apply to certain groups of people as opposed to others (Bacon, pg.45). For example, some people are more inclined to tradition and culture than others, while some people are inclined to new philosophies more than others.

Thirdly, the idols of the marketplace are distortions arising from semantics or social activities. Bacon has noted that incorrect use of language and words has led to problems in comprehension and thus urges people to use words correctly and precisely. For instance, we are wrong to say, ‘the sun is up’ because the sun does not move. Rather, it is the earth that rotates.

Lastly, he notes the idols of the theater which influence the mind into excesses of denial or dogmatism (Bacon, pg.56).  An example of this is the various theologies, theories, and philosophies that people come up with and interpret their world. Their thoughts, actions, and views are interpreted based on this new philosophy and worldview.  He notes that people need to be aware of how the views distort their perceptions of the world and seek to change that. Read More