Descriptive knowledge
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The article [[Knowledge (philosophy)]] discusses the view of philosophers on how one can tell which beliefs constitute actual knowledge. | The article [[Knowledge (philosophy)]] discusses the view of philosophers on how one can tell which beliefs constitute actual knowledge. | ||
+ | == Types of knowledge == | ||
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+ | Knowledge can be classified upon ''[[a priori and a posteriori|a priori]]'' knowledge, which is obtained without needing to observe the world, and ''a posteriori'' or [[empirical knowledge]], which is only obtained after observing the world or interacting with it in some way. | ||
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+ | Often knowledge is gained by combining or extending other knowledge in various ways. [[Isaac Newton]] famously wrote: "If I have seen further... it is by [[standing on the shoulders of giants]]". (This in order to mollify [[Robert Hooke]]) to prevent a dispute. | ||
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+ | Inferential knowledge is based on [[logic|reasoning]] from facts or from other inferential knowledge such as a [[theory]]. Such knowledge may or may not be [[Verification theory|verifiable]] by observation or [[Experiment|testing]]. The distinction between factual knowledge and inferential knowledge has been explored by the discipline of [[general semantics]]. | ||
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==Acquiring knowledge== | ==Acquiring knowledge== | ||
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Descriptive knowledge, also declarative knowledge or propositional knowledge, is the species of knowledge that is, by its very nature, expressed in declarative sentences or indicative propositions. This distinguishes descriptive knowledge from what is commonly known as "know-how", or procedural knowledge (the knowledge of how, and especially how best, to perform some task), and "knowing of", or knowledge by acquaintance (the knowledge of something's existence).
What is the difference between knowledge and beliefs? A belief is an internal thought or memory which exists in one's mind. Most people accept that for a belief to be knowledge it must be, at least, true and justified. The Gettier problem in philosophy is the question of whether there are any other requirements before a belief can be accepted as knowledge.
The article Knowledge (philosophy) discusses the view of philosophers on how one can tell which beliefs constitute actual knowledge.
Types of knowledge
Knowledge can be classified upon a priori knowledge, which is obtained without needing to observe the world, and a posteriori or empirical knowledge, which is only obtained after observing the world or interacting with it in some way.
Often knowledge is gained by combining or extending other knowledge in various ways. Isaac Newton famously wrote: "If I have seen further... it is by standing on the shoulders of giants". (This in order to mollify Robert Hooke) to prevent a dispute.
Inferential knowledge is based on reasoning from facts or from other inferential knowledge such as a theory. Such knowledge may or may not be verifiable by observation or testing. The distinction between factual knowledge and inferential knowledge has been explored by the discipline of general semantics.
Acquiring knowledge
People have used many methods to try to gain knowledge.
- By reason and logic (perhaps in cooperation with others, using logical argument).
- By mathematical proof.
- By the scientific method.
- By the trial and error method.
- By applying an algorithm.
- By learning from experience.
- By an argument from authority, which could be from religious, literary, political, philosophical or scientific authorities.
- By listening to the testimony of witnesses.
- By observing the world in its "natural state"; seeing how the world operates without performing any experiments.
- By acquiring knowledge that is embedded in one's language, culture, or traditions.
- By dialogical enquiry (conversation). See Gadamer, Bohm, Habermas, Freire, on dialogue, learning and knowledge acquisition/negotiation: http://www.infed.org/biblio/b-dialog.htm
- By some claimed form of enlightenment following a period of meditation. (For example, the Buddhist enlightenment known as bodhi)
- By having a divine illumination or revelation from a divine agency.