Similarities and Divergences in the Philosophical Thought of Plato, Francis Bacon, and René Descartes

Abstract

The article "Similarities and Divergences in the Philosophical Thought of Plato, Francis Bacon, and René Descartes" explores the similarities and differences in the philosophical currents of these authors, focusing on their influence on modern and contemporary epistemology. It highlights the role of Platonic idealism in contemporary science through a dialectical engagement with Baconian empiricism and Cartesian rationalism. The main objective is to demonstrate the importance of Platonic idealism as an epistemological driver in the evolution of science, emphasizing the interconnections between the philosophical currents discussed. The study is a theoretical review based on a comparative analysis of classical and modern philosophical texts, utilizing a total of 14 references. The research focuses on the similarities and divergences between these philosophical currents throughout history. The most significant findings show that, although there are fundamental differences between idealism, empiricism, and rationalism, these currents converge at key points in the structuring of modern science. In particular, Platonic idealism provides a profound contribution to scientific knowledge, despite having been underestimated by the experimental method. The article concludes that Platonic idealism, along with Baconian empiricism and Cartesian rationalism, has been essential to the evolution of science. These philosophies, though divergent, have created a common foundation that has enabled the development of scientific knowledge.