Can Science Explain The Difference Between Realization and Knowing?

Question

Maybe I should be asking this in the psychology section, but I like the number of people here :)

If youre familiar with the term 'books dont make men out of donkeys' youd be aware of the difference between knowing something, and realizing it. (being aware of it)

For example, the difference between someone who realizes the meaning of patience, versus the person who is constantly told to be patient, and knows the importance of it, but just never comes around to being it.

Would science be able to explain this? Whats your personal explanation to why people who realize are better than those who simply know?

Answer 1

That question may depend on how "hard" you consider the science of psychology to be. Some people consider psychology to be more of an art than a science. I believe it can be very scientific.

Another way I would phrase it is this: there is a difference between intellectualizing an idea, and integrating it into your thought process. I intellectualize the fact that millions of people die of AIDS, but the Virginia shooting (while trivial in comparison) is more a part of my thought process.

To the extent that psychology, especially neuro-psychology, can explain that, I think science can. But just because it can, doesn't mean it *has*.

Answer 2

the way you tell it it is the same.