Nothing does better to describe them than this quote (I doubt GMD actually knew anything about Chinese philosophy, but it might be fun to inject some real ideas):
Now at the head of this college were two very wise Chinese philosophers -- by name Hum-Drum, and Kopy-Keck. For them the king sent; and straightway they came. In a long speech he communicated to them what they knew very well already -- as who did not? -- namely, the peculiar condition of his daughter in relation to the globe on which she dwelt; and requested them to consult together as to what might be the cause and probable cure of her infirmity. The king laid stress upon the word, but failed to discover his own pun. The queen laughed; but Hum-Drum and Kopy-Keck heard with humility and retired in silence.
The consultation consisted chiefly in propounding and supporting, for the thousandth time, each his favourite theories. [...]
Hum-Drum was a Materialist, and Kopy-Keck was a Spiritualist. The former was slow and sententious; the latter was quick and flighty; the latter had generally the first word; the former the last.