The ambits of the natural science paradigm of F. Bacon: prerequisites for the deontologization of science

The article examines the metaphysical provisions of Francis Bacon’s philosophical doctrine, which the thinker identified as the initial and intrinsic conditions of scientific knowledge. The author demonstrates that the new scientific paradigm formulated by the English philosopher is based on the traditional Western metaphysical concepts of “first cause” and “God”. It is shown that, despite Bacon’s significant focus on developing a new method for scientific inquiry, metaphysics is an essential aspect of his doctrine and serves as a necessary prerequisite for scientific activity. The fact of the gradual displacement of this component of the thinker’s views from subsequent scientific reflection is also considered, using the example of the teachings of L. Feuerbach, O. Comte, K. Marx, E. Husserl, K. Jaspers, and J. Habermas. Conclusion dwells upon the fact that neglecting the content of classical metaphysics, as considered by F. Bacon, has a destructive impact on modern science.