baconianism
|ba-co-ni-an-ism|
/ˌbeɪkəˈniːənɪzəm/
doctrine or beliefs associated with Bacon
Etymology
'baconianism' originates from English, specifically from the proper name 'Bacon' (referring to Sir Francis Bacon) combined with the adjectival suffix '-ian' and the noun-forming suffix '-ism', indicating a doctrine or system associated with Bacon.
'baconianism' developed from the adjective 'Baconian' (meaning 'of or pertaining to Bacon') which in turn derived from the proper name 'Bacon'; the addition of '-ism' produced 'Baconianism' to denote the doctrines or movement associated with Bacon.
Initially, formations from 'Bacon' simply indicated association with the man (e.g. 'Baconian' meaning 'relating to Bacon'); over time 'Baconianism' came to denote specific doctrines or movements—first the scientific/empirical method tied to Bacon and later also the authorship theory attributing certain literary works to him.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the principles or methods associated with Sir Francis Bacon, especially the empirical and inductive approach to scientific inquiry (the Baconian method).
Baconianism influenced the development of modern empirical science by emphasizing observation and induction over pure speculation.
Synonyms
Noun 2
the belief or theory that Sir Francis Bacon was the true author of works attributed to another writer (commonly the theory that Bacon wrote the plays of Shakespeare).
Baconianism as a theory of authorship attracted a small but persistent group of advocates who argued that Bacon left cryptic clues in the texts.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/28 13:17