26-May-14
Knowledge vs Wisdom
Knowledge vs Wisdom
Knowledge and wisdom are two interrelated yet distinct fields of study. An investigation of the terms utilizing the concept of Socrates will aid the elaboration of the variance. In the light of the opinion of Socrates, it can be stated that beholders of knowledge can be witnessed often but wisdom is a rare element to be discovered. He marked the professional, the artists, the poets, and clergy as individuals with vast knowledge, not only in their discipline but also of associated fields. However, they could be regarded as beholders of knowledge but not wise men. Even, he did not consider himself as a wise man. He marked his prophecy with the statement that, "I know that I know nothing"
The very argument of Socrate over the element of knowledge and wisdom stirred the literary circle. A natural dormant agility against Socrate was a definite outcome of the prophesy. However, irrespective of the confronted hostility, the pursuit of Socrate in search of the truth behind knowledge and achievements remained the prime objective of his intellectual scrutiny.The response offered by Socrate achieved through his investigation over the variance of Knowledge and wisdom presented the most appealing theory. His response could be interconnected with the findings of the oracle at Delphi that instructed the mass to"Know thyself," as wisdom can be achieved only after knowing oneself.
The conviction of the fact about the element was identified by Socrates in his trial. In that, very trial he had to face the set of 500 jurors for about 10 hours questioning his intelligence and intentions. His wit was charged against polluting young minds with incomprehensible yet indeniable prophesies. He marked his own lackness of wisdom with the statement that the inquisitions were way warding his opinion about the impact of his efforts.
Thus, an in-depth review of the lifetime efforts of Socrates over the accumulation of knowledge and exploration of wisdom, it can be stated that knowledge is the "Known" aspect of determined fact that are already discovered. On the other hand, wisdom is an aspiration of knowing the unknown. It was very element that tracked Scoriae to mention, "I don't think that I know what I do not know." The very notion makes it evident that wisdom is the constant process of exploration. However, the difference between wisdom and knowledge can also be witnessed at this point. Knowledge is the regular information, open to everyone available in every disciple for everyone. Specifically, the acquisition of knowledge is power that can be gained. While, the search of wisdom is a more an aspiration than acquisition. Precisely, the source of knowledge is through external information. While, the source of wisdom is from within which as defined by Socrates is to know you. The other difference evident amongst the two terms encompasses the feeling cultivated with the achievement of each element. Knowledge makes an individual confidence, it transcends power. While, the attainment of wisdom leave the beholder lost in the forest of truth that grows deeper and darker with every exposition. In conclusion, it can be summoned that the two terms are entirely different in concept and theory. Perhaps, Socrates the master of philosophy with the most inquisitive nature was exploring the same. However, he can only be attributed for his knowledge. Yet, his wisdom is a big question mark for a remark on ground of his failure to establish his real intentions and thoughts in his famous trial.
References;
Benson, Hugh H. "Socratic Wisdom: the model of knowledge in Plato's early dialogues.". 2000.
Brickhouse, Thomas C. "The philosophy of Socrates.". 2000.
