Francis Bacon was an English philosopher, statesman, and scientist who was born in 1561. He is best known for his contributions to the field of empiricism, the idea that knowledge comes from sensory experience and observation, rather than from innate ideas or religious revelation. Bacon's most famous works include "The Advancement of Learning" and "Novum Organum," in which he outlined his empiricist philosophy and proposed a new scientific method based on observation and experimentation. He was also a prominent figure in English politics and served as Lord Chancellor under King James I. Bacon died in 1626.