Ways of Knowing

Our culture is obsessed with intellect. Science is a mighty tool, and has wrought many great and wonderful things. But this way of knowing is not the only way, and the neglect of the other ways of knowing have led to many of the horrors and excesses of the modern era.

The ancient Greeks said that there were three ways of knowing. Theoria, Praxis and Poiesis. Of course, the ancient Greeks were wrong. There is a fourth way, Enthousiasmos.

Poiesis

Poiesis is knowing by creating. Anyone who has done any sort of improvisation has experienced Poiesis. In the creative process, new knowing just arises -- the jazz musician follows the flow of music to uncharted territory; the writer's characters start writing their own dialogue; the actor improvises her way into understanding her character. This cannot be planned, but must be developed by walking into the unknown. This way of knowing is beautifully explored in Stephen Nachmanovitch's Free Play.

Praxis

Praxis is knowing by doing. We have all experienced this. How do I ride a bicycle? Is this bolt tight enough? What are the moves to salsa dancing? What pleases my lover? The only way to learn these sorts of "knowings" is by doing. This way is derided in our culture -- just look at the shortage in the skilled trades. A plumber makes more than a school teacher, but has lower status -- precisely because the plumber's work is based on praxis more than theoria.

Theoria

The Western, modern way of knowing -- book learning. Thinking. Talking. Theoria is the core of the scientific model. And I'm not knocking it -- it's a crucial way of knowing, and we need to keep it. It's just not the whole story.

Enthousiasmos

The fourth way of knowing. Enthousiasmos is the Greek word for inspiration or enthusiasm. It is the lightning bolt, the sudden intuition, the ecstatic way. It cannot be forced, only invited. The creative process, and expressive arts therapy, are designed to create the sacred space which invites this fourth way of knowing.