Question

Use the excerpt from Bacon's The Advancement of Learning below to answer the following question:

"Another error hath proceeded from a kind of adoration of the mind and understanding of man; by means whereof men have withdrawn themselves away from the contemplation of nature, and the observations of experience, and have tumbled up and down in their own reason and conceits. Upon these Heraclitus gave a just censure, saying, MEN SOUGHT TRUTH IN THEIR OWN LITTLE WORLDS, AND NOT IN THE GREAT AND COMMON WORLD."
Public Domain

How does Sir Francis Bacon criticize previous scientific methods in the quote above?

They are based on deductive reasoning from principles rather than inductive observations.
They lack respect for the genius of ancient philosophers and scientists.
They show too much respect for the authority of the Church.
They are elitist and out of touch with the experience of the masses.

Answer 1

Thoughts?

Some key phrases to note: “men have withdrawn themselves away from the contemplation of nature, and the observations of experience” (so men are turning away from natural observations) “tumbled up and down in their own reason and conceits” (and instead men are using their own internal reasoning).

With that in mind which answer choice do you think most accurately reflects his criticism against the scientific method?