[20] This is not quite fair. Used in its strict sense, Art does not
admit of degrees of excellence any more than Practical Wisdom. In
popular language we use the term “wiser man,” as readily as “better
artist” really denoting in each case different degrees of approximation
to Practical Wisdom and Art respectively, [Greek: dia to ginesthai tous
epainous di anaphoras]. I. 12.
[21] He would be a _better Chymist_ who should poison intentionally,
than he on whose mind the prevailing impression was that “Epsom Salts
mean Oxalic Acid, and Syrup of Senna Laudanum.”
[22]The term Wisdom is used in our English Translation of the Old
Testament in the sense first given to [Greek:——] here. “Then wrought
Bezaleel and Ahohab, and every _wise-hearted man, in whom the Lord put
wisdom and understanding_ to know how to work all manner of work for
the service of the Sanctuary” Exodus xxxvi. i.
[23] [Greek:——] and [Greek:——], (in the strict sense, for it is used in
many different senses in this book) are different parts of the whole
function [Greek:——], [Greek:——] takes in conclusions, drawn by strict
reasoning from Principles of a certain kind which [Greek: ——] supplies.
It is conceivable that a man might go on gaining these principles by
Intuition and never reasoning from them, and so [Greek: ——] might exist
independent of [Greek:——], but not this without that. Put the two
together, the head to the trunk, and you form the living being
[Greek:——]. There are three branches of [Greek:——] according to Greek
Philosophy, [Greek:——], [Greek:——], [Greek:——]. Science is perhaps the
nearest English term, but we have none really equivalent.
[24][Greek:——] is here used in its most extensive sense, [Greek:——]
would be its chief Instrument.
[25] The faculty concerned with which is [Greek:——].
[26] In every branch of Moral Action in which Practical Wisdom is
employed there will be general principles, and the application of them,
but in some branches there are distinct names appropriated to the
operations of Practical Wisdom, in others there are not.
Thus Practical Wisdom, when employed on the general principles of Civil
Government, is called Legislation, as administering its particular
functions it is called simply Government. In Domestic Management, there
are of course general Rules, and also the particular application of
them; but here the faculty is called only by one name. So too when
Self-Interest is the object of Practical Wisdom.
[27] [Greek:——], “our mere Operatives in Public business.” (Chalmers.)
[28] Practical Wisdom may be employed either respecting Self, (which is
[Greek:——] proper) or not-Self, _i.e._ either one’s family=[Greek:——],
or one’s community=[Greek:——], but here the supreme and subordinate are
distinguished, the former is [Greek:——], the latter [Greek:——] proper,
whose functions are deliberation and the administration of justice.