Sir Frances Bacon identified and explained the reasons for different human behaviors. He applied the concept of “four idols” in his investigations (Mazlish 7). There are extensive debates on the significance of these four idols.
Accordingly, there exist several investigations concerning the practicality and effects of these four idols. Bacon observed that the human being fully emerges from the enslavement of their mind. Particularly, this enslavement relates to the intellectual idolatry. It is vital to note the disparities eminent from these four idols.
Ideally, diverse elements dictate the character and beliefs of human beings. Such elements emerge either from the external or internal influences in the environment. Sir Frances Bacon denotes that four idols have significant influences in these processes. This discussion in the paper analyses these four idols. In addition, it reviews the impacts of these disparities on the human nature and their beliefs.
The four idols pose critical threats to individuals. The “idols of the theater” provides a typical example (Solomon 16). Some people indicate the risk of various types of idols; some philosophers observe that the “idols of the theater” has the capacity to manipulate the thinking capacity of people.
Apart from this, they also hinder critical understanding which relies on a philosophical assumption under normal circumstances. Nonetheless, the process may also rely on a system of theology and custom. The particular idol has a remarkable influence on human dignity and individuality.
He may reduce the capacity to initiate and exercise critical thinking skills. Notably, most individuals influenced by the idol depict deviant behavioral tendencies. The effect might lead them to biased assumptions and judgments in their daily activities (Mazlish 16). Leaders and all managers within private and public institutions must consider the detrimental impact of the idols that minimize the potential of personalities to exercise transformative leadership skills.
It is necessary to examine the effects of specific idols on the operation of human mind. The logical processes involved in human understanding have significant influences on the level of integration as well as interrelation between individuals. Ideally, it enables different personalities to perceive and conceptualize issues within their external environments. This might also entail their immediate and remote surroundings.
Therefore, it is imperative to take note of the particular idols that hinder logical thinking. Bacon also identifies the “idols of the marketplace” (Solomon 25), which idols cause hindrances to individual understanding. However, this deterrence relies on the different words and semantics applied within typical conversations.
Words form the basis of effective socialization and integration in the present society. Therefore, individuals require adequate precaution against the negative influence of these idols. Words are some of the critical tools used in the comprehension of particular concepts within most communities (Mazlish 34). They are also significant in the recognition of various facts; they also interfere with the thinking processes.
Individuals may imagine and name occurrences that are beyond existence. The imagination relies on certain words in these processes. All words have vital implications. Therefore, individuals must take precaution of the different words (Solomon 27) depending on their application within different social environments. The observation is crucial since words form the fundamental foundations for effective relationships and mutual understanding.
Idols may make individuals to commit fallacious assumptions and statements. Such instances are easily notable within the present society. These idols derive from the intrinsic nature of humans, the condition being very different from the confusion emanating from words.
Individuals always think of themselves as being right at all times. Justification becomes the centre of interest for most people within the society during such instances. Evidently, words also have diverse meanings. Individuals might apply different words to generate confusions within the society (Solomon 41). In such contexts, understanding becomes very difficult and complicated.
Misuse of words may cause chaos and conflicts amongst people. All individuals must keep the maximum level of caution. This helps to avoid such idols and increase the level of understanding within the community. The “idols of the tribe” refers to a category of idols that require minimal precaution (Solomon 56).
These idols also limit the competency for a personal understanding due to the human nature. Individuals prefer to force things to conform to their preferred outlook due to their nature. Personalities struggle to find illogical support during fallacious conclusions. This behavior emanates from the “idols of the tribe.”
Idols are dangerous and might cause disquiet within the society. People are likely to make hurried decisions without adequate engagement of their mental capacity. This situation arises due to the influence of the idols (Mazlish 69). Individuals suffering from these idols are also prone to making generalized assumptions.
This generalization leads to unnecessary behaviors and beliefs. The process also leads to the emergence of conflicting interests within groups. The last category is the “idols of the cave.” They require very negligible attention portraying the different capacities and characters pertinent to every individual. Therefore, they are not detrimental to the general society. It is appropriate to have an adequate knowledge of these idols.
Works Cited
Mazlish, Bruce. The Uncertain Sciences. London: Transaction Publishers, 2007. Print.
Solomon, Julie R. Francis Bacon and the Refiguring of Early Modern Thought: Essays to Commemorate the Advancement of Learning (1605-2005). Aldershot: Ashgate, 2005. Print.