Francis Bacon

Francis Bacon (1561–1626) was an English philosopher, statesman, and writer. After studying at Cambridge, he pursued a political career under James I and held high offices including Lord Keeper of the Great Seal and Lord Chancellor. In 1621, he fell from power after being accused of bribery and was later pardoned by the king. He then devoted himself primarily to scholarly and literary work. In writings such as Novum Organum and De dignitate et augmentis scientiarum, Bacon helped shape early modern methods of inquiry and contributed significantly to the development of empiricism. His Essays are also among his major works.