Aristotle's Espistemology

By Michelle

Two types of practical knowledge 1) techne – departmental and productive; practical knowledge exercised in a particular field with a view to producing a product. “Practical state with a true conception” (1140a10)
2) phronesis – architectonic and practical; practical knowledge exercised in pursuit of living well; directs individual techne to ensure they contribute to the goal of living well. “True practical state, with a conception, concerned with things good and bad for human beings” (1140b5-6)

The structure is that of deliberation – the individual has a conception of some end and deliberates about how to best achieve that end. If the choice is going to be reliable correct, then the individual must have true conceptions of both the end and the means of attaining the end.
* For techne, the intermediate steps specify the means by which the end is to be achieved
* for phronesis, the intermediate steps specify the ways in which the conception of the end can be realized

Theoretical and practical wisdom are continuous.
1) Every intellectual faculty has as its function the attainment of truth
2) Aristotle attempts to fit practical knowledge into the axiomatic model of theoretical knowledge

The action-initiating function is inseparable from truth – rational action comes from decision (prohairesis) and correct decision requires that one’s desires are directed to the realization of a true description of the contemplated action as promoting the intended good.

Aristotle assumes there is an objective truth in the practical realm and he concerns himself with describing the methods by which one attains the truth.