Meaning of knowledge (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Knowledge:

Knowledge is the action and effect of knowing, that is, of acquiring valuable information to understand reality through reason, understanding and intelligence. It refers, then, to what results from a learning process.

Knowledge can be referred to in several ways. In its most general sense, the word knowledge refers to the information accumulated on a certain topic or issue. In a more specific sense, knowledge is defined as the set of skills, abilities, mental processes and information acquired by the individual, whose function is to help him interpret reality, solve problems and direct his behavior.

The word knowledge comes from the Latin cognoscere , formed by the prefix con , which means 'everything' or 'together', and the word gnoscere .

As a phenomenon, knowledge has been studied since Classical Antiquity, and it is an important area within philosophical, psychological and scientific studies in general.

Characteristics and properties of knowledge

• Knowledge is always cultural, that is, it conforms culture. Knowledge is usually capable of being expressed and transmitted through language. In this sense, knowledge is encoded, that is, it requires a code or language for its communication. Thought, behavior and decision-making processes of human beings. It is a complex phenomenon determined by biological, psychological and social variables.

How is knowledge acquired?

Knowledge is built from early childhood and accompanies the person's development process, influencing their behavior and ability to solve problems. Knowledge originates through sensory perception, from where it reaches understanding, and from there it goes to the rational process of analysis and codification of information.

We must say, however, that the process of construction of knowledge is extremely complex and caters for many variables, which is why there are several schools dedicated to the formulation of a theory of knowledge. Some of the authors who have studied this phenomenon in our era are Jean Piaget, through his theory of cognitive development, and Lev Vygotski, through his sociocultural theory.

It is recognized that, in a general reading, the following elementary ways to acquire knowledge can be recognized. Let's see.

1. Authority: authority figures are an element for the transmission of knowledge, since they generate a vote of confidence in the social group. It applies from parents to children, from teachers to students, or from specialists in front of a curious audience. The tradition: knowledge is transmitted from generation to generation, and in this way it is consolidated in tradition. Thus, the individuals of a certain social group acquire knowledge through traditional social practices. Intuition: This is a type of immediate understanding of an emerging issue, allowing you to decide appropriately. The experience: as the subject gains experience, he registers and learns new information that allows him to face similar situations in the future. Scientific research: the exercise of procuring information in a systematic, structured and methodical way, that is, based on a scientific method, is a form of knowledge acquisition.

See also:

• Sociocultural theory. Abstraction.

Types of knowledge

In general terms, it can be said that there are two main types of knowledge: a priori knowledge and a posteriori knowledge.

• Knowledge a priori : knowledge can be a priori when it is based on the process of introspection or personal reason to be formulated without verified in experience. A posteriori knowledge: we speak of a posteriori knowledge when it arises from an experience, and that same experience becomes a validation of learning.

However, you can also talk about other types of knowledge according to the learning method or the area of ​​knowledge. Let's see some cases.

Philosophical knowledge

Philosophical knowledge is obtained through speculative reflection on reality and dialogue, and is aimed at understanding the being and the being of the subject. It can be said that it is rational, analytical, totalizing, critical and historical.

Empirical knowledge

Empirical knowledge is that which is obtained through personal and palpable experience, although it does not imply a method of study but rather awareness of the order of what is lived or experienced. Although it arises from concrete experience, it is modified by the subject's universe of cultural values.

Scientific knowledge

Scientific knowledge is that which is acquired through the planned design of an investigation, which implies a systematic and methodical process. Scientific knowledge is verifiable and demonstrable. In turn, it aims to be critical, rational, universal and objective.

Theological knowledge

Theological knowledge is based on the acceptance of a set of values ​​and beliefs derived from a spiritual revelation. In this sense, it has a symbolic character, since processes of construction of meanings by means of symbols operate in it.