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. S

    Interesting physics problem that requires more trigonometry knowledge that I posess.

    Interesting physics relative velocity problem with some trigonometry mixed in. Homework Statement Agent 007 has just stolen some blueprints from Dr. No, whose henchmen are now in vigorous pursuit of Mr. Bond. He sees his best chance of escape: a wooden boxcar. In a moment, James is in...
  2. M

    Programs Best way to gain electronics knowledge? (for undergrad physics major)

    I see more and more that any professor or REU program wants one of three skills: programming (which I am in the process of obtaining), fabrication/machining/welding(which I know very well), or electronics knowledge, the latter which I do not have and have no idea even where to start. I know...
  3. E

    If I want to be a Engineer with the same level knowledge as a physicist

    I want to one day become a Engineer but I also want to have the level of in depth knowledge about theoretical physics that a physicist would have I have applied to University and have so far been accepted for Medical Physics,(Ryerson) Electrical Engineering, (Ryerson) Space Engineering, (York)...
  4. A

    Creating an AI Knowledge Base for Building Structure - 65 Characters

    Homework Statement I want to create a structure that will hold information about the below environment,a knowledge base.So I'm trying to define predicates to encode every state of the problem; some of them will be atemporal predicates, which don't change as time progresses, and some will be...
  5. C

    I have no knowledge of number theory

    hi, i have only basic knowledge of number theory, but would like to know a hell lot, like maths major level or something(especially about fractals). is there any good site where i could? and please don't suggest wikipedia.
  6. F

    Geometry, Mathematics and the Limits of Knowledge (very dramatic)

    I've been thinking... I don't know that much mathematics. I'm just saying. It seems to me that nowadays, every branch of mathematics has been accounted for. Forming a basis are things like geometry, topology, algebra, analysis, etc. Then you mix all these together and you come up with...
  7. D

    What are the different types of thresholds in particle collisions?

    I want to know about the thresholds of particles observed when colliding two matter particles together in fermilab or CERN i.e the pion production threshold is 290 MeV, what other thresholds are there? What is the complete list of thresholds according to the energy provided? "Is there a...
  8. Y

    Full knowledge of polarisation angle.

    Reading around the subject, I get the impression that it is impossible to have full knowledge of the polarisation angle of a photon. For example is a linearly polarised photon passes through a vertical polariser it is said to be "vertically polarised" on exiting the polariser, but in fact all we...
  9. C

    Test Your Current Affairs Knowledge with These MCQs

    Homework Statement hi guys here are some MCQ on current ... my questions are also in the pic please help
  10. K

    Do I need a lot of abstract algebra knowledge to start learning Lie algebra

    I'm a physics undergrad and doing some undergrad study on QFT, and I found that Lie algebra is often invoked in texts, so I decide to take a Lie algebra this sem but I've not taken any abstract algebra course before.The first day's class really beats me because the lecturer used many concepts...
  11. Simfish

    Will better knowledge of protein folding mean that we can predict rxns?

    These days, it seems that we all rely on trial and error in order to predict the biochemical reactions of new drugs (say, we want a drug to be a ligand, but we have to rely on trial and error to predict whether or not it will actually fit - plus - we also need trial and error to determine the...
  12. D

    Help me complete my knowledge

    Hello, this is my first post. Anyway, when I was in high school I did not have my priorities in order so I missed out on my math education. About a year ago or more, I started reading a brief history of time. Now today I have read all the hawking books as well as several that covered...
  13. N

    Nano-field Will Ultimately Aid Physics Knowledge

    At one point, biology helped physics unravel the conservation of energy. I believe the same will be true for nanotechnology. My prediction: as nano-engineers constantly push to control over atomic level of nature, it will help unravel certain traits and behaviors of atoms...and thus aid...
  14. A

    How to avoid feeling frustrated when facing with so much unkown knowledge?

    I am now a third grade undergraduate student. I do fair job in my studies. Now I have been in a theorectical condensed matter group in my university to learn how to do researches. But after a whole year, I still find that when I want to run into a topic, say Berry phase, or higgs mechanism, I...
  15. E

    Courses Required Pre-Calc knowledge for a Calculus course?

    I’m planning on going back to college and I need to take the following math course in a month and a half when the new Spring semester begins: MATH 150 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I Limits, continuity, differentiation and integration of elementary functions and trigonometric functions...
  16. D

    Epistemological Role in Science and Synthetic A Priori Knowledge

    Now I'll be the first to admit I understand, for all practical purposes, close to nothing of theoretical physics. But I came across an article on "phys org" titled "Scientists Glimpse Universe Before Big Bang"(http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-11-scientists-glimpse-universe-big.html). Now from...
  17. JaredJames

    The Limits of Knowledge: Is John Edward Real?

    [Edit by Ivan: Discussion moved from another thread] This thread has been dead for almost a year. Not to sound too harsh, but your "knowing they exist" is no different to me "knowing they don't exist". Do you have evidence to back up your claims or do we have to take your word? It's...
  18. X

    Developing a game that requires a physics engine with little knowledge

    Hello, This is my first post and if anyone can direct me to any links that would help I would appreciate it, but I'm having trouble understanding this on my own. I am developing a game with a physics engine and the scope I have in mind would require these calculations. I understand some of...
  19. B

    Quantum computingnecessary classical devices knowledge?

    Hi, i have just started studying quantum computing. i found it very interesting and i was wondering to dedicate my thesis on it...BUT...i suffer a lack of knowledge about classical computing devices (i'm not talking about the classic works on logic by Turing and Church and so forth)...so..can...
  20. B

    Finding Function with Definite Integral & Arc Length

    Sorry, latex is being weird. I'm currently trying to come up with a way to find an equation that satisfies: s=\int_a^b \sqrt{(f'[x])^2+1} \, dx Which is arc length and G=\int_a^b f[x] \, dx which is area under the curve where A and s are known values, and f[a]=A, f[b]=B...
  21. T

    Where do Researchers get the knowledge to do what they do?

    I have looked at the faculty of many Biomedical Engineering programs, and I have noticed that there are many professors that do research in like, Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering, Biomechanics.. stuff like that.. But they have degrees in things like Biophysics and physics, Chemistry and...
  22. P

    Are you ALWAYS curious/open for new knowledge?

    Hi, in mid-terms when I have to hand exercices weekly and have to prepare for examns (in Physics), I often feel overwhelmed by the amount of information. Very often when I go to a lecture I don't feel motivated because I am a couple of lectures behind. I really hate skipping things or scanning...
  23. G

    Adding to the scientific body of knowledge?

    What exactly does this mean? I have a paper due in Biology, where I had to read a research paper on Clathrin Coated Vesicles and answer some questions. Well that was kind of easy, until I got to the end and it asked "How do the findings in this paper contribute to the scientific body of...
  24. I

    Force of collision without knowledge of the results of the collision

    This is not really a homework/textbook/coursework problem. It's something I ran into while studying physics, and I haven't been able to solve it. The rules seem to say that this is the correct forum for something like this, but I can't be certain. If this is misplaced, please move it to the...
  25. T

    Learn Physics: 18 Year Old from Greece Seeks Guides and Resources

    hello people i would like to say that i am just 18 years old i am from greece i was always really interested in physics but unfortunately my school didnt give us the knowldges we should have i really love physics and especially quantum physic so i know the basics but i would love to earn more...
  26. Jonnyb42

    How Close Are We to Engineering Non-Biological Systems Controlled by the Brain?

    I am interested in building replacements for every single body part and bodily function, (with a sort of non biological replacement, more electrical and mechanical.) in order to support the brain. I know that the brain is the least understood body part, but my wonder is just how understood is...
  27. X

    Mechanics Books: Bridging Classical & Quantum Mechanics

    I'm currently an undergraduate who has just completed a year of physical chemistry. I don't feel like I understand quantum mechanics as well as I could. It's probably because my knowledge of classical mechanics stops at basic Newtonian mechanics. I don't know E&M that well either. I would like...
  28. B

    So what to do with knowledge of how the universe works?

    A friend of mine (an old man in his 70's) watched the History Channel shows on The Universe and the Big Bang Theory and all that and asked me - "so what if the universe started with a big bang? what good does it do me by knowing this fact? why worry about all this stuff in the universe when...
  29. E

    IB Physics Program: Required Knowledge & Practicals

    Hi, I am going to be starting to teach the IB Physics program in a few months so wanted to get up to speed on it. What is the level of knowledge required? I am currently teaching the physics syllabus in the irish system. The practicals that are to be done? How many should be done? is there...
  30. P

    Solving Hamilton Equations with Limited Knowledge

    Homework Statement [PLAIN]http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/4412/sssa.jpg Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Actually I have very basic knowledge of university physics and math, so the only things I've done are calculating Hamilton equations (I hope correctly)...
  31. Simfish

    Realizing Your Full Knowledge: Appreciation From Others

    After all, many of you have probably read/experienced dozens of books/papers/articles about many subjects. Not just science, but social science, whatever cultures you happen to be interested in, and the communities you grew up in. And of course, most people you talk to will only appreciate your...
  32. maverick_starstrider

    Test Your Physics Knowledge with These Quizzes!

    Here are some physics quizzes I just made if people are into that: http://www.sporcle.com/games/Maverick197/branches_of_physics http://www.sporcle.com/games/Maverick197/defunct_theories_in_physics
  33. M

    Metaphorical line between knowledge and belief ?

    metaphorical line between "knowledge" and "belief"? where do you draw the metaphorical line between "knowledge" and "belief"? and is there even a difference? Even the best of our scientific knowledge is a series of assumptions based on our observations of our tiny fraction of the universe...
  34. T

    I confused how memetics worksCould you share your knowledge?

    I confused how memetics works.. Could you share your knowledge?
  35. F

    Fragile Knowledge- Can it be prevented?

    I took the following excerpt from "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!" I'd just like to know if this kind of 'fragile knowledge' as Feynman puts it, is preventable? Or can only certain gifted minds do this sort of thing? I don't consider myself able to do this kind of thing at ALL, so is it...
  36. B

    EE and CS bacground, No knowledge of mechanical sytem design,advice pls

    Hi All, I am a computer programmer who has studied computer science and electrical engineering .It is my desire to combine my programming skill and EE background to design systems that potentially constitute mechanical parts( controlled by circuit and firmware...) .The problem is ,I have no...
  37. D

    Would their knowledge match up with ours?

    Hello, One topic I would like to discuss here is the comparison of our understanding and knowledge of the cosmos, matter, energy, evolution and the existence in general WITH that of the other "civilizations" if they exist elsewhere in the cosmos. I am just curious...if someday we visited...
  38. D

    State of knowledge of dark matter distribution vs Fermi Paradox:Zoo

    A question for those of you who know about the distribution of dark matter in the galaxy: Do we know how "clumpy" dark matter is? Can we tell yet whether dark matter is distributed about as densly as a gas or whether it's possible that there are the equivalent mass distributions that might...
  39. D

    Your Experience: Is knowledge mainly a function of time?

    Hi PF, I am an undergrad who recently started getting much more involved in his research (basically I am a HEP code monkey). Anyways, most of the technological aspects of the work were completely unknown to me, I started from scratch. And I found that, looking for the answer to one glitch...
  40. C

    Piecewise knowledge of mathematics.

    Hello. I am a college freshman. All the sudden I understood that school taught me fragments of mathematics, not the whole thing. Different low-grade teachers that would teach us to solve a lot of simple problems fast for tests like SAT instead of learning mathematics. I want to become a...
  41. F

    How Does Humility Impact Knowledge Acquisition?

    Humility makes one focus on what is not known and so keeps increasing ones knowledge. Pride makes one focus on what is known and thus stagnates ones knowledge.
  42. B

    Computer knowledge for theoretical phyics

    Hello! I am going to do bachelors in theoretical physics in next year,so I want to know what kind of computer knowledge needs for theoretical physics (I mean even fast typing programming) Thanks Have a nice day and happy x'mas!
  43. T

    How much Academic Knowledge is used in industry?

    Hello everyone, and happy holidays. I had a question that recently popped into my head as I am in my last three semesters of my undergraduate university. Some background, I am thinking of applying for a professional Masters degree (2 yrs long) before finding work in industry. But I was...
  44. N

    Math Knowledge for Physics: Role of Theory & Experience

    I decided to take a math course based solely on proofs, no such courses are in my undergrad requirements and i thought it would be interesting experience. It seems like physicists have a working knowledge of mathematics rather than a really deep knowledge of it. I realized this after trying...
  45. J

    Analysis book that assumes some knowledge of topology

    I realize this may be kind of strange, but as it turns out, I've experienced a good introduction to topology (at the level of Munkres) before taking a rigorous class on analysis. With a month-long winter break in my near future, I'm wondering if anyone could suggest a text on real analysis that...
  46. I

    Is Physics Close to Explaining the Forces Behind Our Existence?

    hi friends,i wonder if anyone can give me a link to a good layman book about the latest advancements in physics ,pertaining to explaining our existence and the forces behind it,and please no cosmology issued or big bang stuff,just applied physics to creation.thanks:wink:
  47. U

    Test Your Knowledge: True or False? Orbitals

    Homework Statement True Or False ? Unhybridised orbitals are symmetrical Hybridised orbitals are asymmetrical Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution
  48. C

    Showing the parallelogram law with a simplistic knowledge of vectors

    Homework Statement Show that the sum of the squared side lengths of a parallelogram is equal to the sum of its squared diagonals. 2. Somewhat relevant thoughts I've decided to try to show the parallelogram law with vectors, since I already managed to find an Elements-inspired proof of it...
  49. M

    Step-by-step guide to mastering calculus from little/no maths knowledge

    Hello everyone, I am starting to apply for grad schools and its become painfully apparent to me that I will require a strong knowledge of calculus. I did well at undergraduate without having to understand maths, only having to apply it in computer programs and in calculations. What I have...
  50. D

    Beating Test Anxiety: Strategies for Students

    Lately, on my last two tests, I've found every problem to be relatively easy in the sense that I could perfect it on my homework, but I continue to make a lot of little errors that add up, and I run out of time, etc. I guess I'm having a hard time putting my knowledge down in test format...
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