I kick start this topic by prompting a few questions for your inquisitive ponder first ......

* Doesn’t well-equipped knowledge of a specific subject equate to understanding of the same subject?

*Doesn’t proper understanding of the subject equate to sound discernment in administering the same subject with confidence?

The questions sound abstract. For besides attainment of knowledge, the attributes of understanding and discernment realms are indeed abstract perspectives of the human mental faculty. It is apt we first zoom into the definitions of *knowledge, *understanding, *discernment.

* KNOWLEDGE: Pertains to facts regarding a subject. Knows the things that are true (declarative facts). Knows how to do a specific task or assignment well (procedural knowledge) according to facts and instructions.

* UNDERSTANDING: Recognises the fundamental reasons and factors that relate to the facts of a subject. Mentally grasps the underlying connections supporting the facts. Also able to predict what may happen next.

* DISCERNMENT: Possesses overall wisdom to apply discernment for executing the right judgements in order to solve issues engulfing a subject. Sees beneath surface-level appearances to distinguish what is right and what is wrong. Manages uncertainty.

Discernment cum wisdom capability is the ultimate state deriving from the state of knowledge commencement. To attain discernment prowess, one must be prepared to undergo a substantial period of self-development series. For example, a fresh graduate of a medical education degree may be equipped for identifying the health condition of a patient based on factual findings. As a young medical physician, he is knowledgeable in medical terminologies, however may not yet understand the causal factors that have led to a specific medical condition. Such understanding can only be acquired via subsequent curriculum exposure, research, or formal training. Definitely, the process takes time.

Only after attaining sufficient exposure in understanding the underlying causes can the groomed physician be equipped to execute discerning conclusions regarding appropriate ensuing treatment actions. Such exposure includes further specialisation courses and hands-on practice which normally spans a few more years.

Sagacious discernment cannot derive by being contented with mere surficial knowledge of a subject. Preparedness to go the extra mile to acquire indepth understanding is vital for attainment of astuteness.

A sagacious group leader is a protagonist who holds a clear sight encompassing all related elements on a subject. He directs the implementation of measures from the ‘diagnosis’ onset phase so as to grasp the entire situation. He directs the ensuing process flow. Next, he sets the ‘objectives’ to be met by his team, then establishes the ‘methods’ directed for meeting the targets. At the end of the time-frame, ‘evaluation’ is coordinated to identify not only the success factors, but also the shortcomings, if any. The entire DOME process (D for Diagnosis, O for Objectives, M for Methods, E for Evluation) is repeated to tie up loose ends (shortcomings) in the prevailing situation. DOME may be resumed when fresh targets are to be set.

 

Here are power quotes on Discernment (Source:AI Overview)......

"A discerning person possesses the steady ability to see beneath the surface, distinguish truth from error, and perceive situations with clarity rather than reacting with surface-level assumptions."

" Knowledge is knowing the facts; understanding is grasping their meaning, but wisdom is the discernment to apply them rightly."