Lore x 4
- Apparent
- Knowing how to sail is one skill.
- True
- It is four kinds of knowing at once: know-that, know-how, know-as, know-by.
What is “lore”? What does it mean to know something?
There are four types of knowledge—with deep traditions and language behind them. Sailing combines all four. For each type of lore, this chart gives a simple definition, along with the contexts in which they are learned, the word root, and the alliterative term used by cognitive scientist / philosopher John Vervaeke.
For those who haven’t kept up with their ancient Greek, it helps to remember today’s derived terms: Epistemology, the philosophy branch dedicated to knowledge. Technology, the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. Noetic, of or relating to the intellect. Gnostic(ism), religious ideas oriented toward knowledge and understanding.
I may replace or augment gnosis with other Ancient Greek terms: phronesis, practical wisdom or intelligence; metis, accumulated wisdom — practical, experiential, tacit knowledge.
| Lore | Learned | Sailing example | Greek | Vervaeke |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| know-that | facts, theory: classroom, reference material | A ketch has two masts, main taller than mizzen | episteme | propositional |
| know-how | studio, workshop, on-the-job | tying a bowline | technē | procedural |
| know-as | from an occupation (sailmaker) or position (bowman) | when the jib is properly trimmed | noesis | perspectival |
| know-by | living through a situation, especially repeatedly | rounding Cape Horn, single-handed | gnosis | participatory |