ABSTRACT
Knowledge or wisdom (sophia-981 a 25) combines intuitive reason with epistō mō , the demonstrative science of the necessary truths, and it is distinguished from rationally founded skills and from practical insight (technō and phronō sis), as Aristotle goes on to state (981 b 25; cf. Eth. Nic. 1139 b 14 ff.). Theoretical knowledge or sophia is elevated above all practical undertakings and is the highest knowledge, for it is directed at the highest object, the first principles of nature, which are necessary and therefore must become the object of the most exact knowledge (Met. 982 a 25). Knowledge of the highest object is knowledge of the divine. But is it not hubris for man to concern himself with the divine (b 28)? No, for the godhead is without jealousy, and insight into the divine is the most honourable for man-as we are told in two concealed quotations from Plato (from the Timaeus and the Theaetetus, see p. 239 and p. 221). Behind this lies Aristotle’s own anthropology: man achieves the highest when he transcends his humanity.
