Bacon and Darwin

Bacon:

1. Define the word idols in the sense that Bacon seems to use it. Is the word idol a good term to use for the idea that lies behind it?

Bacon defines the word "idols" as an error that develops in society. I feel like the term "idols" is both good and bad for Bacon's definition. It's a bad term because people look up to idols and they are more likely to do something good if there idol does it. But it is also a good term because if an idol dos something bad their fan will be more likely to follow in their footsteps. Having idols can also keep a fan from becoming who they really are.

2. Compare the importance of one idol with that of another. Is it possible to determine which is more likely to prevent the acquisition of true knowledge?

The tribal idol symbolizes our natural human errors and the idols of the cave represent our own errors that arise from our own minds. The theatre idols represent the false facts and learning that come from faulty education and philosophies and the idol of the marketplace represents errors that come from others. I believe the idols of the marketplace is more likely to prevent the acquisition of true knowledge because I see the marketplace idols as people who spread rumors and the quickest way information spreads in through people speaking to others.

3. Which of the idols are the results of social intercourse, and which are the results of individual reflection? Would a person be more likely to be free of the tyranny of the idols if he/she were restricted in society? Is it possible that a hermit would be completely free of the idols? Or would he become more free the more he socialized?

The idols of the marketplace and theatre are the results of social interaction and the tribal idols and the idols of the cave are the results of individual reflection. If a person were restricted in society they would be less likely to be free of the tyranny of the idols. Even if there was no false information or errors people would still have their own individual errors. A hermit would not be free of the idols, truthfully they would be more inclined to the idols and more ignorant. 

Darwin:

1. Define the phrase the survival of the fittest (the title of this chapter in a later edition of On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection). Look for ways in which its implications can be fully understood. Look, also, for examples by which it can be illustrated.

Survival of the fittest means that only the strong will survive in the world. Those who are weak will be surpassed by the strong and more likely to die. For example, if in a liter of puppies the ones who will die are the ones who can't make it to the mother's milk for nourishment. 

2. Compare the breeding of animals with natural selection. Which is more directed? Which is more dominated by chance? Which is more efficient? Which is more important?

Natural selection is when organisms who are better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. The breeding of animals is when breeders pick out certain traits to produce an animal to their liking. Natural selection is more dominated by chance whereas breeding is more directed. Breeding is more efficient and more important than natural selection because it creates more animals who are more adapted to their environment.

3. How does cloning affect Darwin’s views? Is cloning likely to undo the beneficial work of natural selection?

I think cloning supports Darwin's views and is beneficial to him because natural selection is about the strong and with cloning you can clone a strong person and get another strong person.

4. How does human social policy affect the survival of the fittest? Are modern medicine and modern social welfare agencies causing humans to be less fit? 

Of course people think that the survival of the fittest is wrong and cruel. Also, I think modern medicine and modern social welfare does cause humans to be less fit. You see people who would rather spend the money to make them thin then to actual go to gym.