Unit_8_Knowledge_and_Wisdom

Unit SixKnowledge and Wisdom (abridged) --- Bertrand Russell

About the author Bertrand Russell(18721970), British philosopher and mathematician, was one of the outstanding figures of 20th century British philosophy, and was especially important for his work in mathematical logic and notable for his support of humanitarian causes.

His major works include Principia Mathematica, 3 vols. (1910-1913), written with A.N. Whitehead, and A History of Western Philosophy (1945).

Russell was twice imprisoned for activities associated with his advocacy of pacifism(1918), and awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1950.

Warm-up Discussion What kind of people are considered knowledgeable? Name some great names. What kind of people are considered wise? Name some great names. Which is much harder in your opinion, becoming knowledgeable or becoming wise? Why?

Memorable quotes Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life. Without knowledge, I cannot play the violin. Without wisdom, I could not play the music.

Question to ponder

What are the necessary elements that contribute to wisdom?

Structure AnalysisPara.1Introduction Although our age far surpasses all previous ages in knowledge, there has been no correlative increase in wisdom. Body 4 factors that contributes to wisdom comprehensive vision 纵观全局的能力 a full awareness of the goals of human life 对人类终级目标的清醒认识 emancipation from personal prejudice 摆脱个人的偏见 impartiality 公正的态度

Para. 2-5

1. 2.3. 4.

Para.1 What view is commonly accepted in terms of knowledge and wisdom? Is there any orthodox definition of wisdom? Has the writer stated the purpose of the writing? What is it?

Para.2-5 Identify the topic sentences in each paragraph.

(para.2) 1st factor: comprehensiveness mixed with a sense of proportion Topic sentence: Of these I should put first a sense of proportion: the capacity to take account of all the important factors in a problem and to attach to each its due weight.

paraphrase Of these I should put first a sense of proportion: the capacity to take account of all the important factors in a problem and to attach to each its due weight. (l.1-3) Among contributors to wisdom, I shall see a sense of proportion as the top priority. It refers to the ability to get a comprehensive view of a problem, and in the meantime, note which aspect is more important and which is less. 首先, 我要提出的是一种良好的比例意识, 也就是能够考虑 一个问题的所有重要方面, 并分别给予它们适当的重视的 能力。

This has become more difficult than it used to be owing to the extent and complexity of the specialized knowledge required of various kinds of technicians. (l. 3-5)

It has become more difficult than before because different kinds of technicians are required to specialize in more complex and wider range of kn

owledge today. 由于现在要求各类技术人员掌握的专业知识越 来越多，越来越复杂，要做到良好的比例意识 比以前更难了。

You study the composition of the atom from a disinterested desire for knowledge, and incidentally place in the hands of powerful lunatics the means of destroying the human race. (l.14-16) You study the make-up of the atom from a pure longing for knowledge, but you put it into the hands of men of power who are crazy to use it to destroy the human race. 你出于对知识的纯粹渴望而研究原子的组成，然而 这一研究却落入一群拥有权力的狂热分子手中，成 为他们毁灭人类的工具。

questions Why, according to the writer, is comprehensiveness an important factor that constitutes wisdom? What message does the writer try to convey with the example of technicians?

(para.3) 2nd factor: a full awareness of the goals of human life Topic sentence: There must be, also, a certain awareness of the ends of human life. (仅有纵观全局的能力还不足以称之为智 慧),我们还应对人类的终级目标有清醒 的认识。

Questions What does “the ends of human life” refer to? According to the writer, how are feelings related to wisdom?

(para.4) 3rd factor: emancipation from personal prejudice Topic sentence: It is needed in the choice of ends to be pursued and in emancipation from personal prejudice. 在选择我们所追求的人生目标以及从个人偏见 中解放出来时，智慧是必不可少的。

paraphrase Even an end which it would be noble to pursue if it were attainable may be pursued unwisely if it is inherently impossible of achievement. (l.3-4) It would be very unwise to pursue a goal which is impossible of attainment and bound to fail even if it is honorable to run after it. 追求一个不可能达到的目标是不明智的，即便 它是个可以实现，且令人感到骄傲的追求目标。