Ipsa scientia potestas est - Knowledge itself is power

Our Mission

Applying knowledge systematically to shape the world around us empowers us. This is what British philosopher Francis Bacon meant by the Latin phrase ipsa scientia potestas est, or ‘knowledge itself is power.’ Through careful, methodical observation and experimentation, we can discern the principles governing both the natural and social world. By understanding these principles, we can shape reality so that it aligns more closely with our tangible goals—within the limits imposed by the very world we seek to master.

The New Realist is an independent publication whose objective is embodying the spirit as laid out by Francis Bacon. In a world hell-bent on bewitching itself by ignorance and emotion, there has never been a better time for a reaffirmation of the value of rational critical thinking, discovering how the world actually works. At the dawn of the 21st century, it looked like science was triumphing over mythology and superstition. That turned out to be a false prophecy.

Our Philosophy

The New Realist values objectivity above all else and avoids partisanship, particularly regards political parties and movements. However, the New Realist is ideologically aligned with the democratic republican tradition of thought. The New Realist is 'left-wing' in the older meaning of the world advocating for political equality among members of a polity, while acknowledging degrees of economic equality is necessary for ensuring the polity remains politically equal.

Inherent within the New Realist is a progressive, or meliorist, spirit in which through knowledge we can responsibly shape the world with the gift of wisdom and will. A wise progressive adopts elements of traditional conservatism avoiding the reckless abandon of applied reason in the name of a vision. Nevertheless, contrary to the traditional conservative the wise progressive retains a vision while acknowledging a healthy dose of realism is a political necessity. Progressives should be visionary pragmatists shaping reality and existing conditions so events develop that make attaining a vision likely.

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