Understanding

Harvard FAS

What does it mean to understand an idea? If the idea is theoretical, is having an intuitive feel for it sufficient, or must we have a rigorous proof in mind? If it is an empirical phenomenon, does knowing the “laws” that govern it constitute understanding or must we know the reasons for the laws? What does it mean to achieve understanding on personal levels---as in the ancient Greek call Know Thyself (Gnothi seauton)? We will explore these questions from the…