Media competence has gained relevance in the 21st century as an essential skill to face the challenges of the media environment. This essay explores its objectives, seeking epistemological support to facilitate its understanding. A relationship between media competence, Greek paideia and maieutics is proposed, questioning the positivist paradigm that has predominated in the study of the media. Finally, elements from classical schools of thought are integrated to enrich its approach, offering an epistemological foundation that reinforces its purpose of social and individual good.