Study Questions for Francis Bacon’s
"Idols That Beset Men’s Minds"

1. According to Bacon, what are the four classes of Idols?

2. Describe a few of Bacon’s examples of Idols of the Tribe.

3. Why are they called Idols of the Tribe?

4. What are some of Bacon’s examples of Idols of the Cave?

5. Why are they called that?

6. What are Idols of the Marketplace? Why are they called that?

7. What are Idols of the Theater? Why are they called that?

8. Do you think of any contemporary Idols of the Theater that Bacon might pick out if he were writing today?