Joseph de Maistre

An Examination of the Philosophy of Bacon is one of Joseph de Maistre's most original and important works. Probably best known for his defence of throne and altar and for his critique of the political and religious thought of the Enlightenment, Maistre also addressed more fundamental philosophical issues. His critique of Bacon is a vigorous attack on the materialism and scientism that he judged characterized the thought of the French philosophes. Although often neglected, this work is crucial for an understanding of Maistre's epistemology, which formed the philosophical basis for his critique of modern science as well as for his criticisms of other aspects of Enlightenment thought. Given Maistre's stature in the history of conservative thought, his critique of Bacon remains significant for what it tells us about Maistre's own thought, for what it reveals about attitudes toward science in his time, and for its relevance for issues that remain under debate today. The work is also a showcase for Maistre's polemical skills and his powerful prose style. This volume provides an annotated translation of Maistre's complete text, an Introduction that places the work in the context of Maistre's life and offers a critical exposition and assessment of his criticisms of Bacon, Biographical Notes on persons cited or mentioned by Maistre, and a Bibliography.