What is Knowledge: Definition and 379 Discussions

Knowledge is a familiarity, awareness, or understanding of someone or something, such as facts (descriptive knowledge), skills (procedural knowledge), or objects (acquaintance knowledge). By most accounts, knowledge can be acquired in many different ways and from many sources, including but not limited to perception, reason, memory, testimony, scientific inquiry, education, and practice. The philosophical study of knowledge is called epistemology.
The term "knowledge" can refer to a theoretical or practical understanding of a subject. It can be implicit (as with practical skill or expertise) or explicit (as with the theoretical understanding of a subject); formal or informal; systematic or particular. The philosopher Plato famously pointed out the need for a distinction between knowledge and true belief in the Theaetetus, leading many to attribute to him a definition of knowledge as "justified true belief". The difficulties with this definition raised by the Gettier problem have been the subject of extensive debate in epistemology for more than half a century.

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  1. iwantcalculus

    Question of Isaac Newton's knowledge.

    If Isaac Newton was resurrected right now, and joined a bachelor's degree program in mechanical engineering, what courses would he ace without studying, and what courses will he need to study for ?
  2. ChrisVer

    Happy New Year from Athens/Greece: Seek Knowledge in 2021!

    Happy New Year from Athens/Greece :D Enjoy the Knowledge of PF Seek it in your Real Life!
  3. R

    Was Einstein knowledge on science all by his own

    Einstein education was just formal , then how did he got to know all about current research at his time. So did he studied all by his own?
  4. E

    Is Knowledge Truly Power? Examining the Relationship Between Knowledge and Power

    I disagree. Knowledge is energy. The use of knowledge is power. Knowledge is a potential energy. Anyone agree/disagree?
  5. R

    Project Ideas to enhance my knowledge of programming

    Hello, I am an undergrad doing Computer Science BSc, but that's all irrelevant. I started learning to program when I was about 12 and I've become very proficient in PHP, Perl, Python and C# and I have really good knowledge of C++, C, Java (and I'm a quick learner). I have done a lot of...
  6. Z

    What Are the Best Resources for Learning About Automotive Body and Trim?

    Hi! I have recently started working at an automotive company at the body and trim section and I feel like learning everything about the area. I have had trouble finding good study material at the library and with my searches on the internet so therefore I ask you guys for some help. From...
  7. H

    How much knowledge do you use from your education on your job?

    Give us a set of examples of what you do regularly and how your education has played a part in that process.
  8. J

    How much Knowledge about science and math has changed since Einstein?

    This is a question about how much general knowledge about science and math has changed since Einstein's death about 60 years ago. What are some ideas in math and science that have been discovered that Einstein would have had no knowledge of?
  9. T

    Gain Practical Knowledge: B.Tech E&C Student

    hey everyone, I`m a b.tech student in electronics &communication.though I`m okay with theory but I feel I`m way behind in practical knowledge and skills. my college doesn`t provide us with proper laboratory facilities.so,is there any way I can achieve practical knowledge??
  10. BigWill

    Can this be solved without a knowledge of turbines?

    1) 10 Hydroturbines are in a line, fitted inside a 1m diameter vertical tube its height 1.2km. The top of the tube is 100m deep underwater in a high mountain saltwater lake. This 1200m long tube acts like an orthogonal drainpipe down the mountain. Hdyroturbine-A...
  11. Y

    MHB Need help plotting a curve, no calculus knowledge....

    (sorry in advance for not knowing how to use laTex and also not knowing calculus, I thought maybe before I teach myself calculus to figure out this one problem maybe you all could fill in what I'm not figuring out... Thanks in advance...) I recently found out that I needed to know calculus in...
  12. C

    Ever used Physics knowledge to play a practical joke?

    I'm not sure if I'm going to get any answers here, but I was just wondering... have any of you ever used your physics (or engineering/electrical) knowledge to play some kind of prank on someone?
  13. adjacent

    Old English Vocabulary: Native Speakers Share Your Knowledge

    Native English speakers! Please tell me all the words you know which is in the same genre as :Thou,thy,thine,shalt and Lo!. They are the only old words I know.
  14. ChrisVer

    Preliminary knowledge on tensor analysis

    I am not sure whether this needs to be transported in another topic (as academic guidance). I have some preliminary knowledge on tensor analysis, which helps me being more confident with indices notation etc... Also I'm accustomed to the definition of tensors, which tells us that a tensor is an...
  15. M

    Programs How much maths knowledge is needed in order to do a physics degree?

    I'm doing a computer science degree this year, I might do a second major in physics next year, but I'm not sure if my maths is up to scratch. I never did much maths in school apart from basic things in math A, it says that I must have done maths B as a prerequisite for the physics major (which...
  16. K

    Being expert Vs gaining overall system knowledge

    Hi all. So I am working for a multinational firm doing an engineering analysis job. I have two options in for my career. My career started as an analyst and till some point of time, I guess it would be the same until after some years I would be going for maybe some leadership positions. So...
  17. A

    What constitutes general knowledge?

    Wikipedia says it a collection of culturally valued knowledge. What exactly is culturally valued? These are the types of questions generally asked: - 1) Name of the nth U.S. president 2) Location of some river or place 3) Birthdate of some famous person etc. Why are these questions...
  18. ajayguhan

    Struggling with Knowledge vs Grades: My College Experience | Seeking Advice

    In my college every month we have test and assignments on various subject, if one want mark they can just copy the notes from an website and submit it has assignments without having any idea of why assignment is really given and what is about.in test many of them simple memorize and vomit...
  19. O

    Can a basic knowledge of perturbation theory solve this?

    Hello all, I have boiled a very long physics problem down to the point that I need to solve the coupled equations \frac{\partial^2 x}{\partial u^2} + xf(u) + yg(u) = 0 \frac{\partial^2 y}{\partial u^2} + yf(u) - xg(u) = 0 We may assume that |f| ,|g| << 1. and that both f and g are...
  20. T

    Is my conception/ knowledge about calculus right?

    First I want to admit that I don't understand how calculus can give you a correct answer. But I do know that calculus is used in almost all fields of sciences. So, I think either what I know about calculus or my conception is not correct. Here is what I know and what I think about calculus...
  21. C

    I am BSc in Physics graduates 3 years ago - lose my knowledge

    I am BSc Physics graduates 3 years ago . After graduation I went into a totally different field "Accounting". (allow me to skip the reason here) I am so regret now. My passion is still in science and I want to return to the world of physics and hope to be a researcher or any professions in...
  22. I

    Studying Required books and knowledge to take physics GRE.

    Hi all, What math and physics books I need to read before I am able to score well in physics GRE. I just started with Apostol/Spivak for calculus. My question is what should I read next? Real analysis vs multivariable? or rather, Spivak should be enough to handle the required math for physics...
  23. A

    Prove this equation with calculus knowledge

    I feel it quite difficult to prove this equation: \frac{1}{2}tan(\frac{1}{2}x)+\frac{1}{2^2}tan(\frac{1}{2^2}x)+...+\frac{1}{2^n}tan(\frac{1}{2^n}x)=\frac{1}{2^n}cot(\frac{1}{2^n}x)-cotx Can you help me with it?
  24. K

    Should I Relearn Calculus Before Studying ODEs?

    I have studied both single variable and multivariable calculus. I was younger and spent hardly anytime on them but did fairly well at the university level. I regret now that I did not master the subjects as I have an intense passion to learn ODE's. Do you think I should start studying...
  25. T

    Looking to advance my knowledge

    I am only in high school, but I know how engines and cars work and I understand the concept of both. I wanted to know where I could go from here to advance my knowledge on mechanical engineering past basics and more towards what I will be learning in college mech engineering classes Thanks...
  26. Q

    Scientific knowledge dependency graph

    I'm asking this question here on a physics forum because a physics question sparked this off. However, it is applicable to all aspects of scientific knowledge. I am looking for a scientific knowledge dependency graph. This is one centralised database which captures the specific and required...
  27. lisab

    Test Your Geography Knowledge: Play "GeoGuessr"

    To all PFers who have played "Where's That Landmark?" over the years: it's all just an elaborate exercise to prepare for this game: http://geoguessr.com/ Lots of fun :biggrin:. I think I got to 12,000 once, I'm *certain* folks here can beat that.
  28. DiracPool

    Let's Test Our Movie Trivia Knowledge

    I haven't seen a movie trivia thread in here. So I'll give this a go. The rules are: if you answer the current question correctly you get to ask the next one. Simple, huh? Only one question at a time, please. If no one correctly answers a current question within 24 hours of the posted...
  29. T

    Most important piece of scientific knowledge

    In Six Easy Pieces, Richard Feynman said If such a cataclysm actually occurred, and you could preserve just one piece of scientific knowledge for a future race, what would it be?
  30. johann1301

    Industrial knowledge as a experimental physicist

    Hi Im in the army, and the army is willing to give me 20 000kr (bout 4000$) to educate myself. F. ex i can take å truck license if i wanted to. I want to become a physisist, either theoretical or expereimental. I was wondering if anybody in this forum would know of any courses which could...
  31. H

    Necessary knowledge and skills for quality PLC programming

    Hello everyone! This is my first post on PF, but I've been reading the forums for some time now. My question is rather a simple one, but since I'm an Electronics Engineer, I think it would be polite to say a few words about my education and work experiences. I've finished 4 years of...
  32. M

    What knowledge do I need to go into nuclear physics?

    Hello all. I was just wondering what kind of things I would need to know if I wanted to become a nuclear physicist? I'll be honest, I've never been very strong in any math or science. Almost every teacher I've had in math or science has pretty much crushed what little confidence I had in both...
  33. L

    Knowledge and understanding of QM

    In problem of infinite potential well particle can't be in a region where ##V=\infty##. How we know that in case of finite potential well that particle is in the region where ##V>E##. How we know what is energy of the particle in moment when we localize it in the region with potential ##V##...
  34. R

    Why would I need so much knowledge for a general ecology course?

    So I would like to do an ecology course somewhen during my undergrad, but the requisites for a General Ecology are just too big: -1 year in Zoology and Botany -1 year in General Biology (in order to get the Zoology and Botany) I have studied myself the Smith ecology book and don't find...
  35. D

    Math knowledge required to fully understand physics

    Hello everyone! I am a high school student who is in grade 10. I've developed a passion in Math and Physics, and I intend to be an engineer in the future. However, I don't feel satisfied with the Physics knowledge I've picked up from school, so I seek the book Physics for Scientists and...
  36. D

    Advancing Mathematical Knowledge

    Repeatedly in the past few months any attempt at learning more advanced physics has ended in hitting a brick wall: my maths knowledge is really not up to par. To put this into perspective, I am an A Level student but feel as though the current syllabus for the sciences is really not enough. I...
  37. D

    How can I effectively expand my knowledge of physics beyond textbook material?

    Hey forum , I was looking desperately for methods to broaden my knowledge of physics in all it's domains . I mean I do fairly well in Material I learn ( Textbook Physics) and I have a fairly solid foundation but I'd like to know more about different areas of physics and not just a vague idea...
  38. I

    Technologies or devices or knowledge for cars in specifics subjects

    I do a small theoretical project, in this project I need to investigate some technologies or devices or knowledge that must to be related to cars or to futures cars or cars industry, it can be all the kinds of cars, not only private car, it can be also buses, tractors, trucks or all others kinds...
  39. N

    How much circuits knowledge is needed to study device physics?

    Circuits knowledge required for physical electronics? I'm planning to study physical electronics and device/semiconductor physics in grad school. My relevant undergrad physics classes consisted of quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, electromagnetism, circuits, experimental physics, and...
  40. S

    How much circuits knowledge is required for device physics?

    Hey everyone, I'm graduating with my bachelor degree in physics soon and intend to study physical electronics and device/semiconductor physics in graduate school. I've taken the standard undergrad physics curriculum (quantum mech, stat mech, electromagnetism, circuits, experimental physics) with...
  41. M

    C/C++ Jumping straight into C++ without programming knowledge

    Hello, I was looking at an Introduction to C++ class I might be taking next semester Description: This course is an introduction to the basic principles of programming using C++ as the development tool. Topics include the structure and design of algorithms, input/output, branching...
  42. P

    Hey guys,I have to admit that my knowledge of this stuff is

    Hey guys, I have to admit that my knowledge of this stuff is probably quite lacking in comparison to most other people's but I was wondering if anyone had some resources I could use to look into regarding nonlocality? From what little I do know about Quantum Mechanics is that Einstein had...
  43. S

    The existance of constant = lack of knowledge?

    I thought one day that Newton found that the gravitational acceleration is 9.81m/s^2 down and used that as a constant before he discovered or claimed Fg= GMm/r^2. As far as I know G is a constant today too. would it be correct to say that as long as there are constants we lack in the knowledge...
  44. P

    How to start knowledge build-up for becoming a numerical modeler?

    Hi everyone, I want to know what disciplines must I study to become an effective numerical modeler? As a numerical modeler, I expect to be able to generate numerical solutions to mathematical problems (via programming) at the same time I want to be able to explain all aspects of my...
  45. K

    I'm a freshman with sophomore knowledge. Should I join research?

    I'm a pHysics major freshman and I know lots of college physics and math, lots of which I don't get to skip in college.
  46. C

    Please judge my statistics knowledge based on the following mind map

    How bad is my statistics knowledge based on the following mind map? Any concepts which aren't bold are the concepts that I know; the bold ones are the ones I'm currently learning. The mind map in question: http://i.imgur.com/4He3f.png What should I learn next based on my current...
  47. H

    Can Humanity Reach Absolute Knowledge?

    Dear all, My question is a bit philosophical. Can humanity reach complete/total/absolute knowledge and control of the world, where there is nothing new to be known?! Thnx :)
  48. J

    Help me regain my thirst for knowledge

    Okay guys - I hope you all can help me ... maybe someone out there has gone through similar experiences. There are some smart guys out there in my college and I feel very jealous when they score and I do not. Earlier I didn't care about how others performed, I was only focused on my knowledge...
  49. E

    Precalculus knowledge for learning Discrete Math CS topics?

    Below I've listed the chapters from a Precalculus book as well as the author recommended Computer Science chapters from a Discrete Mathematics book. Although these chapters are from two specific books on these subjects I believe the topics are generally the same between any Precalc or...
  50. M

    Filling holes or gaps in mathematical knowledge.

    I graduated high school nine years ago. The highest math I took then was Algebra II, as I had little interest then. After a seven year career, I was able to go back to school and have made it to Calculus I this semester. I struggled some in college algebra, finding out that there were...
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