CAMPUS

Wisdom vs. Knowledge

I am intrigued by the distinction you made between knowledge and wisdom.  You said “We are seeking wisdom here, not just knowledge.”  I wonder what the relationship between the two is and what part the university has to play in it.  Surely knowledge is not the same as wisdom, and in fact it is not necessary for wisdom.  There are many people who have not had a college education who are very wise, and vice versa.  So the question we need to address is: Do we go to a university to become wise?

This is a tricky question.  We should always be seeking wisdom wherever we are and whatever we are doing.  But I do not think the primary purpose of going to college or university is to become wise.  We go to learn and increase our understanding of the world, ourselves, and God.  The goal of professors should be to make thoughtful students and encourage them to pursue the good. But there are other institutions, like churches, that can encourage and train men to be wise.  I do not think that is the primary goal of a university, although it should be encouraged.  I wonder if it isn’t worth noting that the purpose of a Jesuit University is different from that of a university by itself.  The promotion of wisdom and repairing of corrupt morals is not an intrinsic part of a university, but is added from the Jesuit mission.

I did not mean to suggest that professors should play the devil’s advocate all the time and try to remain neutral in what they present.  I think it is important that they have firm convictions and let the students know where they stand.  I just want to emphasize, as perhaps Leo Strauss would, the importance of reading texts esoterically-assuming the author has something important and insightful to say.