I. (ˈ)bā|kōnēən also bəˈk- or -nyən adjective
also ba·con·ic -känik
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Francis Bacon died 1626 English philosopher & author + English -ian or -ic
1.
a. : of or relating to Francis Bacon or his doctrines, especially his belief in the inductive origin of valid ideas, the testing of ideas by controlled and scientific methods, and human progress and improvement by the control of nature through scientific knowledge
their Baconian fear of speculative hypotheses — Sidney Ratner
the Baconian principle of scientific investigation — C.W.Shumaker
the Baconian theory of the experiential origin of all ideas to counter … intuitionism and absolutism — Willis Moore
b. of a logical method : consisting of the process of attaining general statements on the basis of observations, comparisons, and experiments through intermediate generalizations and with regard for negative as well as positive instances — compare induction
2. : of or relating to the Baconians who believe that Francis Bacon was the author of the dramatic works usually attributed to Shakespeare
II. noun
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
: one who supports or believes in Baconian doctrines