The knowledge is there. Where is the wisdom?

Aristotle distinguished between episteme (theoretical knowledge of laws) and phronesis (practical wisdom, the ability to bring knowledge to life through action). Educational research has amassed an impressive body of episteme: we now know very precisely which conditions foster the growth and development of young people and which hinder them.

Yet knowledge does not apply itself. There is a gulf between what we know and what we do – a gulf that Aristotle himself described as akrasia, or acting contrary to one’s better judgement.

The provocative thesis of this evening: our education systems suffer from collective akrasia. It is not knowledge that is lacking, but the courage to practise phronesis. In his lecture, Olivier Keller, drawing on more than 35 years of research, asks how this gulf might be bridged.

This event is taking place as part of the 11th Long Night of Philosophy. Further information is available at here.