Book 10 / Chapter 9
Paragraph 8 - The Role of Universal Knowledge in Arts and Sciences
Explanation - Part By Part
"But the details can be best looked after, one by one, by a doctor or gymnastic instructor or any one else who has the general knowledge of what is good for everyone or for people of a certain kind (for the sciences both are said to be, and are, concerned with what is universal);"
Aristotle is explaining that specialists, like doctors or gymnastic instructors, are best suited to handle specific details because they possess a general understanding of what benefits everyone or certain types of people. Their expertise lies in universal principles—broad rules or knowledge that apply across different situations—which is what science or a systematic approach focuses on. This emphasis on universality allows these experts to make informed and appropriate decisions for individual cases. In short, their foundational knowledge enables them to address specific needs effectively.
"not but what some particular detail may perhaps be well looked after by an unscientific person, if he has studied accurately in the light of experience what happens in each case, just as some people seem to be their own best doctors, though they could give no help to anyone else."
Aristotle is acknowledging that, even without formal training in a field (like medicine or another skill), certain individuals might effectively handle specific cases based on their personal experience and observations. For instance, some people might know exactly what works for their own health—almost like being their "own best doctor"—but this ability might not extend to helping others since their knowledge is limited to their unique, personal situation. Essentially, practical experience can lead to competence in specific instances, even without theoretical or universal knowledge.
"None the less, it will perhaps be agreed that if a man does wish to become master of an art or science he must go to the universal, and come to know it as well as possible; for, as we have said, it is with this that the sciences are concerned."
Aristotle is emphasizing that if someone wants to become truly skilled in any discipline—whether it's an art, a science, or any form of knowledge—they must focus on understanding universal principles, not just individual or isolated cases. Universal principles are the broader truths or general rules that apply to everyone or most situations in that discipline. For example, in medicine, it’s not enough to know how to treat one specific patient; a good doctor needs to study the general principles of health and disease that apply to all humans. Similarly, in any field, becoming a master requires learning these overarching ideas, because true expertise comes from grasping the foundational truths that inform and guide specific applications.