The term "philosophy" originates from ancient Greek, where "philos" means love, and "sophia" means wisdom. Wisdom is a combination of episteme and techne. Episteme involves theoretical or contemplative knowledge while techne refers to practical knowledge or know-how. Wisdom is knowing what to do with what one knows.
The term "philosophy" is attributed to Pythagoras, an ancient Greek philosopher, who used it to describe the pursuit of wisdom. Plato, the most influential philosopher of the time, used "philosophy" to emphasize a different kind of love. Plato, to a large degree, rejected the practical component of wisdom. Plato might be better characterized as a "lover of epistme" more so than a lover of wisdom which includes a practical component.
Plato's rejection of practical wisdom can be understood through his theory of forms and his distinction between the material world (sensible realm) and the world of ideas (intelligible realm). According to Plato, true wisdom and knowledge are found in the realm of ideas, which are eternal, unchanging, and perfect. The material world, on the other hand, is transient and deceptive, making practical knowledge less reliable and less worthy of pursuit compared to contemplative knowledge.
Plato's preference for contemplative wisdom was evident in his dialogues, where he used philosophical inquiries and dialectical discussions to delve into abstract ideas and seek higher truths. He believed that through contemplation and intellectual exploration, one could gain a deeper understanding of the underlying principles governing the universe.
In this way, Plato's rejection of practical wisdom and his focus on contemplative philosophy were reflections of his belief in the primacy of the world of ideas over the material world.
However, if philosophy entails the love of wisdom, which includes practical knowledge, then it involves applying wisdom to real-world issues and solving problems, rather than being detached and theoretical. Philosophy encourages engagement with the world, not mere pontification from an ivory tower. It strives to make a positive impact on the way we live and think.
Plato harshly criticized practical philosophy, as he believed it focused too much on the ephemeral and changing nature of the material world, whereas he saw the realm of ideas and forms as more significant and lasting. Plato's philosophical approach leaned towards abstract ideas and metaphysical contemplation, rather than solely focusing on practical applications.
When episteme is divorced from techne, it can lead to what is referred to as "armchair philosophy" or purely theoretical contemplation. The idea of armchair philosophy from an ivory tower high amongst the clouds is often used metaphorically to criticize philosophical discussions that are detached or ungrounded from the practical realities of everyday life. It suggests that such philosophy can become disconnected from the concerns and challenges of the world and may lack relevance in addressing real-world problems.
Without the application of practical knowledge (techne), theoretical knowledge (episteme) might remain disconnected from real-world situations and practical problem-solving. This could lead to a situation where philosophers engage in abstract discussions without considering the practical implications of their ideas or without grounding their theories in empirical evidence.
To have a more comprehensive and impactful philosophical approach, it is essential to integrate both theoretical knowledge and practical know-how to engage with real-world issues and develop well-rounded solutions. Combining theory and practice allows for a more balanced and effective philosophical exploration.
Pragmatism then can be seen as a central component of philosophy proper. Pragmatism is an approach that emphasizes the importance of practical consequences and the usefulness of ideas in guiding action and problem-solving.
Pragmatism provides a valuable lens or tool through which epistemic claims can be evaluated in practice. It encourages philosophers to consider the practical implications of their theories and how they can be applied to real-world situations. By incorporating pragmatism into philosophical inquiries, philosophers can assess the value and relevance of their ideas, ensuring that they are not merely abstract or disconnected from practical concerns.
Without the pragmatic lens, philosophy may risk becoming too theoretical or detached, as it might not address the concrete challenges and needs of individuals and society. Pragmatism acts as a corrective measure, reminding philosophers to remain grounded in the practical implications of their work.
By embracing pragmatism, philosophy can effectively marry episteme and techne, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications. This integration is essential for creating meaningful and impactful philosophical perspectives that contribute to problem-solving, human understanding, and societal progress. So, in one sense, pragmatism can be considered a metaphilosophy or a critical tool that enhances the value and relevance of philosophical inquiries. In a broader sense, pragmatism can be considered a fundamental (though often overlooked) component of philosophy itself.
While Pythagoras is credited with coining the term "philosophy," historical records about his specific philosophical beliefs and teachings are limited, and much of what is known about him comes from later sources and legends. However, it is generally believed that Pythagoras and his followers did value both theoretical and practical aspects of wisdom.
Pythagoras is best known for his contributions to mathematics, particularly for the Pythagorean theorem. Mathematics, being a field with both theoretical and practical applications, suggests that Pythagoras did appreciate the practical element of wisdom. He is also attributed to various philosophical and religious ideas that encompassed ethical principles and spiritual teachings, which again reflect the practical aspects of wisdom in guiding one's conduct and actions.
The shift in ancient Greek attitudes away from practical knowledge may have been influenced by various philosophical ideas, cultural changes, and societal developments, culminating in a more pronounced distinction between theoretical and practical knowledge. Plato's influential ideas on the Theory of Forms and his distinction between the sensible world (associated with techne) and the intelligible world of ideas (associated with episteme) further solidified the division between theoretical and practical knowledge. Plato's emphasis on the realm of ideas as the realm of true knowledge may have reinforced the notion that practical knowledge was inferior or less valuable.
In ancient Greek society, artisans, craftsmen, and traders were essential contributors to the economy and the well-being of the city-state. Their practical expertise in various fields, such as agriculture, craftsmanship, and trade, contributed to the growth and stability of the community. In this sense, techne empowered individuals and communities by enabling them to fulfill their practical needs and necessities.
On the other hand, episteme, which represents theoretical knowledge, was often associated with the educated elite, including philosophers, intellectuals, and statesmen. The pursuit of theoretical knowledge was highly regarded and was seen as a mark of higher education and intellectual prowess. Philosophers like Plato and other elite thinkers were often at the forefront of shaping philosophical ideas and guiding the political discourse.
However, the relationship between techne and episteme was not always adversarial. Some philosophers, like Aristotle, recognized the value of both practical and theoretical knowledge, and they saw them as complementary rather than opposing forces. Aristotle was a student of Plato and while he recognized the importance of theoretical knowledge he also emphasized the significance of practical knowledge for understanding the world and improving the human condition.
While there were some tensions between the contemplative elites and the artisanal demos, it is difficult to accurately access the cultural climate of the time. For instance, Aristotle was not ostracized for his view on the value of both practical and theoretical knowledge. On the contrary, Aristotle's ideas and teachings were highly influential and widely respected. If we interpret "philosophy" as the love of wisdom, and "wisdom" as a combination of epistemic and practical knowledge, then Plato's emphasis on epistemic knowledge over practical knowledge might suggest that he is more accurately described as a "lover of episteme" rather than a "lover of wisdom" in the broader sense.
Ultimately, the classification of Plato as a "lover of episteme" or a "lover of wisdom" might vary depending on how one interprets and defines the terms. Nevertheless, it's essential to recognize the significant impact Plato's work had on philosophy and his exploration of various philosophical domains, including inspiring his student Aristotle and countless others. That being said, it is also important to consider to what degree Plato's influence might have set intellectual history off course. Ultimately, the primacy of techne in cultivating wisdom should not be ignored. The do-nothings, resting comfortably in their arms chairs, are indeed know-nothings, for even the language "cultivate wisdom", with it's emphasis on cultivation, implies growth through dedicated action.
Produced by Clint Warren - Aided by ChatGPT
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