Single Idea 5991

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

Full Idea

Aristotle thinks that in general we have knowledge or understanding when we grasp causes, and he distinguishes three fundamental types of knowledge - theoretical, practical and productive.

Gist of Idea

For Aristotle, knowledge is of causes, and is theoretical, practical or productive

Source

report of Aristotle (works [c.330 BCE]) by Alan D. Code - Aristotle

Book Reference

'Encyclopedia of Classical Philosophy', ed/tr. Zeyl,Donald J. [Fitzroy Dearborn 1997], p.71


A Reaction

Productive knowledge we tend to label as 'knowing how'. The centrality of causes for knowledge would get Aristotle nowadays labelled as a 'naturalist'. It is hard to disagree with his three types, though they may overlap.