Читать книгу A Guide to the Scientific Career - Группа авторов - Страница 81

There is a distinction between the two types of knowledge – wisdom and skill – that applies to every realm of life, including medical research. It may not be surprising if someone who is highly skilled in laboratory work or in writing lacks basic wisdom to discern which endeavors his or her research will bring about the most benefit to others.

The distinction between phronesis, or practical wisdom, and techne, or technical skill, as used in Aristotle's language is important. The practical wisdom is the development or internal formation of the Self as someone cognizant of his or her purpose who acts with wisdom in all areas of life . The technical skill is involved more with the production or formation of an outside object or external good (e.g. a drug, a car, a hospital). Phronesis and techne are required to aim towards a moral and ethical understanding and virtuous living and to create a virtuous output (Hammalis 2013).

Those who teach medical science or research techniques should exhibit “technical” knowledge − the product of their teachings being the skills that are imparted to their students. Teachers should further develop practical wisdom by applying and practicing virtuous behavior in their own lives so they can become role models for their students.

We constantly make decisions in medical research. What is the quality and character of those decisions? What shapes the researcher's decision‐making process? It requires wisdom to exercise discernment and make good decisions in research ; in order to aquire wisdom, the researcher needs first to know what wisdom is, and then to diligently work towards fostering it.