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Single Idea 22513

[from 'Eudemian Ethics' by Aristotle, in 11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 2. Understanding ]

Full Idea

Knowing and understanding is of two kinds, one having and the other using knowledge.

Gist of Idea

Knowing is having knowledge; understanding is using knowledge

Source

Aristotle (Eudemian Ethics [c.333 BCE], 1225b11)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Eudemian Ethics I,II and VIII', ed/tr. Woods,Michael [OUP 1992], p.28


A Reaction

This corresponds to potential and actual. We wouldn't say that understanding must be used, but we have some sort of distinction between knowledge as pure and theoretical, and understanding enabling good application.