Combining Texts

Ideas for 'Metaphysics', 'Philosophy of Language' and 'Varieties of Things'

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3 ideas

1. Philosophy / A. Wisdom / 1. Nature of Wisdom
Knowledge chosen for its own sake, rather than for results, is wisdom [Aristotle]
     Full Idea: Knowledge chosen for itself and for the sake of knowledge is wisdom, more than that which is chosen for results.
     From: Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 0982a12)
     A reaction: Well something has to be for its own sake! But what about trivial knowledge? That question led Plato to the Forms.
Wisdom seeks explanations, causes, and reasons why things are as they are [Aristotle, by Politis]
     Full Idea: Aristotle characterises wisdom as a search for explanations (aitiai, which can also be translated as 'causes') and explanatory knowledge (epistemé, knowledge why something is as it is).
     From: report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], Bk 01.2) by Vassilis Politis - Aristotle and the Metaphysics 1.1
     A reaction: I think this idea might be a key one for modern philosophers, if they are searching for a metaphysics which can be integrated with modern science.
1. Philosophy / A. Wisdom / 2. Wise People
It is not much help if a doctor knows about universals but not the immediate particular [Aristotle]
     Full Idea: If a doctor were to have a theoretical account without experience, knowing the universal but not the immediate particular, he will often err in treatment.
     From: Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 0981a25)
     A reaction: But acquaintance with particulars isn't the same as knowledge, which may require universals.