Podcast: Sir Francis Bacon - Father of Scientism?

Discussing Bacon & Scientism with William Ramsey

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I went on William Ramsey Investigates on July 29, 2025 to discuss Francis Bacon (1561–1626) and his role in creating and promoting Scientism.

I argue that Francis Bacon should be understood not as the “Father of Science” but as the “Father of Scientism.” The discussion begins by debunking the “Dark Ages” myth.

I showed how medieval scholars, particularly the Franciscan “Grey Friars” Robert Grosseteste (~1168–1263) and Roger Bacon (1219–1292), had already developed sophisticated empirical methods combining observation, experimentation, and mathematical reasoning.

These medieval foundations provided the real scientific groundwork that is often mistakenly attributed to Francis Bacon.

Francis Bacon’s actual contribution was philosophical and political rather than scientific. Unlike the medieval Roger Bacon who sought knowledge to understand God’s creation, Francis Bacon reframed science’s purpose as extending “the power and dominion of the human race itself over the Universe.”

His utopian novel The New Atlantis outlined a vision of organized research (Salomon’s House) focused on practical applications like life extension, with scholars who controlled what knowledge to share with the state.

This became the blueprint for institutions like the Royal Society.

I define scientism (following mathematician Alexander Grothendieck) as the belief that only quantifiable, repeatable knowledge is real knowledge, that nature operates mechanistically, that only scientific experts are qualified to make decisions, and that science and technology alone can solve humanity’s problems.

According to my analysis, Bacon’s lasting legacy wasn’t advancing scientific discovery. Critics note he “discovered nothing of importance.” Rather Bacon transformed science from a contemplative pursuit of truth into an instrument of power and social control, establishing the modern technocratic worldview where scientific authority becomes the basis for political decision-making.

Check out the discussion on your favorite platform.

Rumble: https://rumble.com/v6wv06m-sir-francis-bacon-is-he-the-father-of-scientism-with-author-hans-schantz..html

Twitter: https://x.com/WilliamRamseyIn/status/1950316651246997631

If you would like a more comprehensive take on Francis Bacon, check out Robert Frederick’s The Hidden Life is Best podcast.

The mind bending story of philosopher Sir Francis Bacon: the smartest and most influential person who ever lived. Known as the father of modern science, he was heavily involved with Freemasonry and the Rosicrucians, the writing of Shakespeare and the beginning and structure of the English Empire. He was also Attorney General and Lord Chancellor of England and many believe he was the secret son of the Virgin Queen, Elizabeth I.

Also The Hidden Life is Best is on Substack:

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