In our first lecture, Dr. Hicks introduces us to modern philosophy, focusing on the pivotal role played by Francis Bacon in the early 17th century. We explore Bacon's groundbreaking work, the Great Instauration, particularly the Novum Organum, which proposes a new empirical and experimental approach to acquiring knowledge, emphasizing the importance of inductive reasoning, the careful observation of nature, and the need for a critical examination of the human mind's inherent biases and limitations.

In lecture two, we learn about the philosophical works of René Descartes, a key figure in the birth of modern philosophy, focusing on his famous Meditations and the method of doubt he employs to establish a secure foundation for knowledge. The lecture examines Descartes' arguments for the existence of the self and God, highlighting his rationalist approach and its contrast with the empiricist tradition, as exemplified by Francis Bacon.

In lecture three, we dive into John Locke's influential ideas on religious toleration and the separation of church and state. Drawing upon Locke's "Letter Concerning Toleration," Dr. Hicks explores Locke's arguments for individual freedom of conscience, the voluntary nature of religious association, and the necessity of distinguishing between the roles of government and religion. The lecture also highlights the historical and political context of 17th-century England, which shaped Locke's philosophical perspectives on these issues.