An Examination of the Philosophy of Bacon: Wherein Different Questions of Rational Philosophy Are Treated

Leonard Adams is a professor of French Studies at the University of
Guelph.

Joseph de Maistre’s detailed critique of Francis Bacon’s philosophy
was first published, posthumously, in 1836. Since then, L’Examen de la
philosophie de Bacon, despite its importance for a deeper understanding
of Maistre’s thought, has not been the subject of much debate.
Lebrun’s English translation is an attempt to fill an obvious void in
Maistrian studies and to broaden the availability of the French
philosopher’s response to Bacon and to his disciples. Essentially,
Maistre formulates a total condemnation of Bacon’s Novum Organon,
particularly its premise that physics is the foundation of all science.
In addition, Maistre argues that Bacon is not only absolutely
unqualified to theorize on scientific thought of the past, but also has
nothing to offer to the body of scientific theory subsequent to his
time. The English philosopher’s pronouncements, Maistre contends, are
not only laughable but constitute a danger to society everywhere. Well
read as he was, Maistre provides copious comments and quotations from a
host of authorities to prove his point.

Lebrun’s contributions to Maistrian studies have so far been quite
remarkable. Unfortunately, his handling of this very complex work has
not had as felicitous results as did his previous endeavors. It is true
that the introduction is adequate and useful in providing a background
for Maistre’s critique. The biographical notes are excellent, the
bibliography is well selected and Professor Lebrun maintains his
heretofore high standard in his critical apparatus. However, his readers
would probably benefit from some information on what to expect in terms
of the translation he has chosen to present to them. He does not say,
for instance, whether he intends to be literal or to provide a
translation reflecting 19th-century idiom or the idiom of the 20th
century. Moreover, he seems unaware of some fundamental translation
techniques, and one encounters, from time to time, linguistic and
technical problems that necessitate rereading. Nevertheless, the
researcher who has the patience to plow through these difficulties will
certainly get fascinating glimpses into the Maistrian mind.