The Sphinx

We can appreciate Francis Bacon’s method better if we collect his many remarks together than by carefully analyzing a few. Some suggest that he proposed the method of eliminative induction, i.e., refuting all hypotheses listed but one, which must be true. However, he knew those listed were not the only possible hypotheses, so eliminative induction cannot be his method. Other commentators think he was formulating a new chemical opinion of the world. He probably did hold such an opinion, but he tells us that his opinion is not his method, which is to find out what is the case, no matter anyone’s opinion, including his own. His comments on puzzles make his thoughts clearer if we gather them together with his other aphorisms. He writes that science is like a sphinx, letting you pass when you answer its riddle correctly. He compares science to cryptanalysis, seeking a way out of a labyrinth, or a game of hide and seek. If we put all this together, we can better understand his meaning—induction is puzzle-solving.