Comprehensive in its ambitions and meticulous in its approach, The Political Philosophy of Francis Bacon is a new and unique interpretation of one of early modernity's more important thinkers. Whereas recent works on Bacon tend to confine themselves either to interpreting his historical context or to considering the founder of Baconianism from the perspective of one work in particular or the history of science in general, Tom van Malssen argues, through detailed and provocative interpretations of a number of Baconian writings, that the unity of Bacon's thought can only be revealed if these writings are read in historical and philosophical conjunction as well as on the assumption that they are all somehow part of the whole of Bacon's political philosophy. In addition to restoring Bacon to the pantheon of great philosophers, Van Malssen demonstrates that a proper understanding of Bacon's political philosophy contributes significantly to our understanding of the nature of philanthropic science, the modern project, and ultimately ourselves.

Tom van Malssen holds a master's in law and a PhD in political philosophy. He currently works as a lawyer in the Netherlands.

Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Introduction

1. The Art of Transmission

2. The Baconian Turn

3. The Trinity of Philosophy

4. The Masculine Rebirth of Time

5. The Perfective Son

Epilogue
Notes
Bibliography