Firsthand Knowledge and Understanding

Abstract

This chapter aims to enhance our understanding of the notions of firsthand knowledge and of understanding, of how these are related, and of their importance in a flourishing human life. On certain questions of great human interest, firsthand knowledge and firsthand understanding are closely interrelated and have high priority. Such questions are often met in the humanities, broadly conceived to include not only appreciation of art, but also appreciation of sports, food, relationships, nature, and much more. And many such questions are to be found in philosophy. All such humanistic questions stand in contrast with practical questions where mere information suffices. What follows is devoted to explaining and defending these ideas.