Single Idea 12072

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 1. Knowledge]

Full Idea

For Aristotle, knowledge is explanatory, for to know something is to understand it, and to understand something is to grasp its principles or causes.

Gist of Idea

For Aristotle knowledge is explanatory, involving understanding, and principles or causes

Source

report of Aristotle (Posterior Analytics [c.327 BCE]) by Charlotte Witt - Substance and Essence in Aristotle 1.2

Book Reference

Witt,Charlotte: 'Substance and Essence in Aristotle' [Cornell 1994], p.15


A Reaction

Thus the kind of 'knowledge' displayed in quiz shows would not count as knowledge at all, if it was mere recall of facts. To know is to be able to explain, which is to be able to teach. See Idea 11241.

Related Idea

Idea 11241 Wise men aren't instructed; they instruct [Aristotle]