Wisdom and Competence

For Plato and Aristotle, contemplation of the Good is a higher Good than the actualization of the Good, e. g. the contemplation of the idea of a perfect political state is a higher Good than the actualization of that idea. Since Wisdom is pre-eminently contemplative for them, Skill, namely, the knowledge of how to actualize an idea, is, therefore, for them, not essential to Wisdom. For Marx and Dewey, such a position expresses a leisure-class disdain for physical activity. For Formaterialism, it is an aspect of the traditional neglect of the Material Principle. Furthermore, on the Evolvemental model of experience, any End, Goal, Good, Intention, Aim, etc. functions first and foremost as a Formal Principle of Conduct, namely it shapes and guides Conduct. Hence, Knowledge of a Good is nothing more than knowing how, on the basis of a Good, to proceed in actualizing it. Therefore, Skill is, at minimum, an essential aspect of Wisdom.