Instruct Those Who Lack Knowledge

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Instruct Those Who Lack Knowledge

Literal meaning

Share useful knowledge with people who need and are willing to receive it.

Broader interpretation

This item should be interpreted within the historical purpose, intended audience and wider structure of its parent ethical framework.

Historical context

This item belongs to Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy. Biblical and patristic foundations with later seven-item systematisation; Christian Europe and the wider Church.

Practical meaning

Practical application requires attention to intention, consent, evidence, rights, foreseeable effects and the needs of all persons or beings affected.

Ethical purpose

To shape conduct, judgment or character in a way consistent with the wider framework.

Exceptions and disputes

Instruction requires competence and must not become indoctrination or contempt.

Variations across schools or traditions

Wording and interpretation may vary between translations, denominations, schools and historical periods.

Modern application

Modern application should distinguish the historical formulation from present legal, social and ethical conditions.

Criticism and difficult cases

Instruction requires competence and must not become indoctrination or contempt.

Truth By Reason analysis

Truth By Reason assesses this principle through evidence, intentions, rights, foreseeable consequences, consistency and the treatment of all affected beings.

Ethical themes

• Wisdom
• Social responsibility
• Truth-seeking

Sources

• Catechism of the Catholic Church 2447 — The Works of Mercy Primary source