In this write-up, I'd like to draw some points of difference between knowledge and wisdom. What is meant by being knowledgeable? What is meant by being wise? Is a knowledgeable person wise? Or, is a wise man knowledgeable?
To begin, let me give some examples of cases where a person claims he knows or has knowledge, as follows: (1) a scientist finds out that “there is water in Mars;” (2) a geologist finds out that “the core of the earth is extremely hot;” (3) a farmer knows the best of soil for planting rice; (4) a fisherman knows the best time of the day to catch fish; (5) a nursing mother knows the best time to give milk to her infant. The first two examples are considered scientific knowledge. These are forms of knowledge which help mankind understand the physical world and how to deal with it. The last three examples, on the other hand, are considered “technical knowledge” necessary for one’s survival. Take note: any form of knowledge is expressed in a form of a proposition, such as “There is water in Mars,” or “The core of the earth is extremely hot.” Each of these propositions contains a truth-value –that is, whether a proposition is true or false. Again, the proposition, “There is water in Mars,” can be true or false.” Since a proposition can be true or false, it can also be contested or refuted. But, we come to a very important question when we claim we know: “What are the criteria of knowledge?” In other words, how do we know that what we claim is true? To answer this question, let’s have Plato’s definition of knowledge.
Knowledge is defined by Plato --ancient Greek philosopher, as a “justified true belief.” It’s a belief because it signifies a firm conviction or personal assent to a truth-claim. For example, if one claims that there are other forms of life that exist on Mars and his claim is justified and really true, then he must have a firm conviction of it. Otherwise, he might easily give up when other persons challenge or refute his claim. Thus, belief implies a conversion of mind and heart to give assent to a propositional claim, which is really true and founded on sufficient rational grounds/justification. Though it logically follows that if one is justified in his claim, then he sticks to it with firm conviction --even shed his blood for it, but of course, this is not always the case or true to all knowers. There are some knowers who just simply give up what they know in that they are afraid to hold onto it, or fear for their lives if they hold it on. Cowardice is what makes knowers shun to share what they know. Courage is what makes them spread what they know.
So, what is the answer to
the question, "What is the difference between the knowledgeable and wise
person?" A knowledgeable person is one who makes truth-claims about
the world but he is not necessarily wise because he has the tendency to never
admit mistakes. A wise person is a knowledgeable one yet he has the
attitude of humility to accept that he can commit mistakes and to admit the
fact that he can't know everything.
Related articles:
1) What is Real Knowledge? [click]
2) Research-based Knowledge is Falsifiable [click]
3) Scientific Knowledge is Falsifiable [click]
To begin, let me give some examples of cases where a person claims he knows or has knowledge, as follows: (1) a scientist finds out that “there is water in Mars;” (2) a geologist finds out that “the core of the earth is extremely hot;” (3) a farmer knows the best of soil for planting rice; (4) a fisherman knows the best time of the day to catch fish; (5) a nursing mother knows the best time to give milk to her infant. The first two examples are considered scientific knowledge. These are forms of knowledge which help mankind understand the physical world and how to deal with it. The last three examples, on the other hand, are considered “technical knowledge” necessary for one’s survival. Take note: any form of knowledge is expressed in a form of a proposition, such as “There is water in Mars,” or “The core of the earth is extremely hot.” Each of these propositions contains a truth-value –that is, whether a proposition is true or false. Again, the proposition, “There is water in Mars,” can be true or false.” Since a proposition can be true or false, it can also be contested or refuted. But, we come to a very important question when we claim we know: “What are the criteria of knowledge?” In other words, how do we know that what we claim is true? To answer this question, let’s have Plato’s definition of knowledge.
Knowledge is defined by Plato --ancient Greek philosopher, as a “justified true belief.” It’s a belief because it signifies a firm conviction or personal assent to a truth-claim. For example, if one claims that there are other forms of life that exist on Mars and his claim is justified and really true, then he must have a firm conviction of it. Otherwise, he might easily give up when other persons challenge or refute his claim. Thus, belief implies a conversion of mind and heart to give assent to a propositional claim, which is really true and founded on sufficient rational grounds/justification. Though it logically follows that if one is justified in his claim, then he sticks to it with firm conviction --even shed his blood for it, but of course, this is not always the case or true to all knowers. There are some knowers who just simply give up what they know in that they are afraid to hold onto it, or fear for their lives if they hold it on. Cowardice is what makes knowers shun to share what they know. Courage is what makes them spread what they know.
Now, what about wisdom? To understand more about
wisdom, let me cite the idea of wisdom espoused by Socrates, ancient Greek
philosopher, known today as "Socratic wisdom." Socrates is
known as the wisest person ever lived. His wisdom lies in his claim that
"he knows of only one thing with certainty --that is, he doesn't
know." He does not pretend he knows everything that there is to
know. However, he humbly accepts that he can't know everything.
Socratic wisdom, then, is characterized with humility. It doesn't mean
that one has to give up his desire to know or one has to give up knowledge and
end up in skepticism. Yet, to be wise like Socrates is to engage in
dialogue with other seekers for truth.
Related articles:
1) What is Real Knowledge? [click]
2) Research-based Knowledge is Falsifiable [click]
3) Scientific Knowledge is Falsifiable [click]
