Roger Bacon was born into a relatively affluent family in Ilchester, Somerset, a time marked by political instability during the reign of King John. The precise date is uncertain, hovering around 1214. His birth coincided with a period of significant intellectual growth in Europe, laying the groundwork for his later scholarly pursuits. His family background likely afforded him access to early education and resources that were not common for the time.

Bacon embarked on his formal education at Oxford University, a leading center of learning in England. He studied the trivium (grammar, rhetoric, and logic) and quadrivium (arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy), the traditional liberal arts curriculum. Oxford exposed him to prominent scholars and influential texts, shaping his early intellectual development and sparking his lifelong interest in philosophy and the natural world.

Bacon moved to the University of Paris, then considered the intellectual capital of Europe, and earned his Master of Arts degree. He lectured on Aristotelian philosophy and logic, becoming a respected academic. Paris broadened his horizons, exposing him to diverse perspectives and fostering his critical thinking skills. It was here that he encountered the works of Islamic scholars, which significantly influenced his later scientific and philosophical inquiries.

Bacon joined the Franciscan Order, a decision that profoundly impacted his life and career. The Franciscans emphasized poverty and service to others, which initially constrained his access to resources and limited his ability to pursue his scientific interests. However, it also provided him with a framework for his intellectual pursuits, grounded in Christian values and a commitment to the betterment of humanity. He devoted himself to prayer and penance, but still felt compelled to pursue scientific knowledge.

A turning point arrived when Bacon gained the attention of Pope Clement IV. The Pope, impressed by Bacon's reputation for learning, requested that he write an overview of his philosophical and scientific ideas, despite the restrictions placed upon him by his Order. This papal commission provided Bacon with the opportunity to showcase his intellectual prowess and advance his scientific agenda.

In response to Pope Clement IV's request, Bacon produced his three major works: the "Opus Majus" (Greater Work), "Opus Minus" (Lesser Work), and "Opus Tertium" (Third Work). These treatises covered a vast range of subjects, including grammar, logic, mathematics, optics, experimental science, moral philosophy, and theology. In them, he advocated for the reform of theological study by incorporating the natural sciences. These comprehensive works represented the culmination of Bacon's intellectual endeavors and presented his vision for a new era of scientific and philosophical inquiry.

Bacon faced suspicion and opposition from within the Franciscan Order, likely due to his unorthodox views and his advocacy for experimental science. Around 1277, he was condemned for certain novelties and placed under a form of house arrest. His freedom to write and publish was restricted. The exact reasons and duration of his imprisonment remain debated among scholars. Despite these challenges, Bacon continued to pursue his intellectual interests in his later years, focusing on alchemy and astrology.

Roger Bacon died around 1294, likely in Oxford. The precise date and circumstances of his death are unknown. Despite the controversies and challenges he faced during his lifetime, Bacon's legacy as a pioneer of experimental science and a visionary thinker endured. His emphasis on empirical observation and his advocacy for the integration of science and theology left a lasting impact on Western intellectual history.