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. G

    Might the rate of passage of time be an obstacle for scientific knowledge?

    Hello, I hope someone can shine some light on the following questions: The std scientific method (observation, hypothesis, experimental verification or falsification) assumes that the phenomenon being studied happens (is observable) within the time span of human experiment, let's say a human...
  2. MathematicalPhysicist

    What preliminary knowledge of QM should I know before learning QFT

    What preliminary knowledge of QM should I know before learning QFT, or should I learn QFT in parallel with me learning QM?
  3. G

    Claim: Supernatural Experiences are Caused by ones knowledge of their definition

    Imagine an experiment, take a person who has never seen a shadow and never heard of the concept of one, and put him into a room illuminated in such a way that no shadows are cast. The room has a TV in it and on the TV there is a guy in a room with a single lightsource and that guy casts a...
  4. A

    Are exams hindering our pursuit of knowledge in engineering studies?

    As I advance in my studies (electrical and communications engineering) I find that there is an increasing conflict between exams and knowledge. Somehow, my subjects seem to be exam-oriented in a way. That is, the subject is taught through a set of problems, techniques and concepts in order for...
  5. M

    Ukrainian writer in need of your knowledge

    Good day and thank you for taking interest in this thread =) My name is Mykhailo, and I am currently creating a concept of a sci-fi character. I require your help to point out obvious physics-related mistakes in my concept. Tips and directions on improving the concept are highly encouraged as...
  6. S

    Experience god do we then gain knowledge of god?

    ok I'm beginning to read a bit of kant... so what i understand is that we can only GAIN KNOWLEDGE by using concepts and applying it to experiences. it goes to say that we can not know god in this case because we can never experience god? a question someone asked me when i was discussing...
  7. W

    WolframAlpha: A Magical Knowledge Engine

    Have people been reading about http://blog.wolfram.com/2009/03/05/wolframalpha-is-coming/" on it make it sound pretty magical, and don't address any of the standard objections that AI people raise to actually creating a knowledge engine, as it appears to be... but I am still intrigued...
  8. Z

    Let's test our basic knowledge of physics

    QUESTION ONE Newton derived F=GMm/R^2 by puting one kg of sphere on the surface of earth. Now consider if the same sphere is bigger and bigger till it reach the size of earth. OR simply put imaginary Earth on Earth Now apply F= GMm/R2 where g = GM/d2. M= m= mass of Earth = mass of...
  9. B

    Searching for Knowledge: Exploring the Energy of Creation

    This is my first post here and I am strictly seeking info, guidance, assistance... I have read many posts here and see many intellegent people. If you have any beneficial info I would appreciate it. I have theories... Before the Big Bang, existence in its entirity would have been dark...
  10. I

    Exploring Quantum Physics: A Teenage Pacifist's Pursuit of Knowledge

    you see i love quantum physics its a new discovery for me but i don't know i just get it. it amazes and baffles me( as anyone who is not confused by quantum physics truly doesn't understand it) i alwways had liked math but never science but always did and still do love the study of space and the...
  11. Evo

    How Well Do You Know Tapeworms? Take the Quiz Now!

    I just *had* to post this for christina. http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/1175/tapeworm.jpg Take the quiz. :biggrin: http://www.heyquiz.com/quiz/tapeworm
  12. C

    Dangerous Knowledge Documentary

    Hello everyone. I recently found this documentary which some of you may find interesting. In this one-off documentary, David Malone looks at four brilliant mathematicians - Georg Cantor, Ludwig Boltzmann, Kurt Gödel and Alan Turing - whose genius has profoundly affected us, but which...
  13. J

    PHP PHP -OO or Functional for speed/ knowledge demonstration?

    My second PHP question this week...:smile: I'm writing a PHP app which includes things such as form validation and database interaction. So far, almost everything has been written procedurally. However, I started playing around with PHP's OO stuff, and it's cool. Problem is, this app is being...
  14. H

    What kind of knowledge do independent inventors have?

    What kind of knowledge do independent invent0rs have? Do they have knowledge in all the areas of engineering? Thanks!
  15. A

    Quiz 1: Testing Your Knowledge of Force & Inertia

    http://physicsed.buffalostate.edu/courses/software/modeling/1st_mechanics/PDF%20files/4-FP-Inertia/Tests/Quiz%201.pdf 1) I don't know how to do this, but I know there is the force of gravity by the Earth in the force diagram.. 2) For this one I got the answer Fx=7.5N [I did 1/2(15N) which...
  16. W

    How does the Universe create knowledge?

    A supernova is so brilliant that it would kill you stone dead at a range of several light years. But from a typical part of the Universe -in intergalactic space - you would not even see it because its so far away. A typical part of the Universe is cold - 3k and empty, less than a...
  17. D

    Knowledge needed for the University

    I want to study aerospace engineering in an university of the United States of America, or in the United Kingdom. I have been thinking about the University of Michigan, The MIT, The University of Liverpool, The Rutgers University, The Stanford University, The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical...
  18. P

    Find time of freefall based on little knowledge

    Homework Statement You fire a squirt gun horizontally from an open window in a multistory building and make note of where the spray hits the ground. Then you walk up to a window 5.0 m higher and fire the squirt gun again, discovering that the water goes 1.5 times as far. Ignore air...
  19. D

    Is Transfering going to effect my knowledge?

    If i were to transfer to a good school after my sophomore year, would i be at the same lever as those who attended the school since freshmen year?
  20. wolram

    Lingusitics What is the significance of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and its manuscripts?

    http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923140838.htm ScienceDaily (Sep. 24, 2008) — After several years of detective work, philologists at the University of Stavanger in Norway have collected a unique collection of texts online. Now they're about to start the most comprehensive...
  21. B

    Can I Build Complex Circuits and Projects After Getting a Bachelor's in EE?

    When I get my bachalor degree in EE how much knowledge will I know about making circuits and understanding things. I know they don't teach you anything but I know I would love to make all kinds of stuff in my spare time as a hobby. I plan to get a Masters also if that helps. Does anyone who...
  22. baywax

    Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge

    I was recently made aware of the book, "Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge". The author's name is E.O. Wilson, a well known and established biologist. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consilience:_The_Unity_of_Knowledge I saw the opportunity to bring the idea of consilience to this forum...
  23. C

    How does knowledge play a role in understanding metaphors?

    Metaphor and Knowledge Understanding any poem requires knowledge. The following poem is from the Sanskrit tradition: Neighbor please/ keep an eye on my house/ my husband says the water from the well/ is tasteless/ so even when I’m alone/ I have to go into the forest/ where the Tamala...
  24. Cincinnatus

    Medical Split from: Transfer of knowledge: machine to brain

    What would it mean to "transfer data directly from brain to brain"? We can assume that "data" in the brain amounts to some spatial-temporal pattern of activation across many neurons. This is a very reasonable assumption to make in light of what we know about neuroscience. There's no way to...
  25. H

    Choosing Between GPA and Knowledge: A Tough Decision for Academia

    I have a tough call to make. I won't go into the details, but it basically goes like this. Plan A - I can take a highly difficult grad math course next year, for no other sake than interest. This would mean my GPA would suffer (because the average is really low and I'd spend insane amounts of...
  26. B

    Biochemistry, how much knowledge of Math is needed?

    Hi everyone, I will be pursuing a degree in biochemistry/biotechnology, and my question was exactly what or how much of mathematics would be important to understand fully most of the concepts coming from the chemistry courses that I will take? Most of my chem courses in upper years would...
  27. C

    Gaining knowledge about antenna

    i am a third year btech student , i am interested in gaining knowledge about antenna and their working.kindly help me by referring some good books for begineers.
  28. djeitnstine

    Skepticisms, beliefs and knowledge

    I have been thinking for quite some time about why people believe what they believe and why persons hold a disbelief in science and its explanations. To make myself clearer I have seen, heard of and spoken to persons that simply do not believe in a certain thing (be it religious beliefs or...
  29. F

    Mechanical Engineering Knowledge

    I am a Physics graduate wondering how to bridge the knowledge gap between my degree and a mechanical engineering degree. If anyone as any idea of what a mechanical engineer should know coming out of a degree then that would be very helpful. many thanks Gavin Fowler
  30. R

    Good Phys. Knowledge vs. Good Math Knowledge

    I will attempt to study rudimentary Physics and Calculus on my own over the summer; but my main concern is, what to focus more on, math or physics. What I am asking is, if i become study more and become "good" at Physics, would it also guarantee I would be "good" at Calculus? Or is it the other...
  31. Andre

    Dumb and Dumber: Are Americans Hostile to Knowledge?

    link Well, if I asked a Dutch PhD which the capital of Alaska would be and correcting the wrong answer, Anchorage, he might reply: You know? You know? No, I don't know, do you? :rolleyes: Bad joke, anyway, but then again: She blaims a lot of things but what to do about it?
  32. M

    Welcome to the Engineers Forum! Share Knowledge & Experiences Here

    Hi everyone this is a fantastic forum ,I have browsed through the threads and found it fantastic to such a community for engineers to share knowledge ,experience and advice. It will boost the mutual interests of members ,so consequently I registered today and I would like you to...
  33. C

    Solving Integrals with "Sommerfeld substitution

    Some time ago I had to do a calculation concerning a physical problem. In this calculation some integrals were needed to be solved and the method on how to do this was briefly described. I was able to solve the problem completely and found the method so beautiful that I would like to share it...
  34. Simfish

    Courses Alternatives to Coursework as Means of Demonstrating Knowledge

    The problem with coursework is that coursework is structured in such a way as to "measure" knowledge at the end of the course. It provides no means of measuring knowledge months after the course, when one may have absorbed the course material better (especially since learning is best done over a...
  35. S

    The difference between Knowledge and Wisdom

    After careful consideration, I have decided that Knowledge is knowing, but that understanding is Wisdom. It is, therefore, with great regret to find that there is very little wisdom in Science. Given that Science is the study of knowledge, and that the lagauge of science is mathematics... On the...
  36. S

    Where the heck is this knowledge coming from?

    Hi all, I tried to be really dedicated to my discovery on finding knowledge...but somehow, the more I find it...the more I realize how much I am missing out on it. For instance, almost all the great discoveries are accidental b/c we don't have enough brains to come up w/ something like this...
  37. C

    I am interested in disinterested knowledge

    I am interested in disinterested knowledge Disinterested knowledge is the energy bunny. It generates the energy for exploration and for overcoming some of the inhibitions consciousness places on the unconscious. Disinterested knowledge is an intrinsic value. Disinterested knowledge is not...
  38. C

    Knowledge begets responsibility which begets guilt

    Knowledge begets responsibility which begets guilt Guilt is both a curse and a salvation. I conclude that guilt is perhaps one of the few internal mechanisms that can prevent human self-destruction. Rational analysis and recognition of self preservation can drive us to correcting...
  39. V

    Which Electromagnetic Radiation Has the Greatest Photon Energy?

    1. Compton scattering from electrons is most easily observed for: *microwaves *infrared light *visible light *ultraviolet light *x rays I Think it refer to x ray . but not sure what do you think guyz .. please tell me if you can 2.Which of the following electromagnetic radiations has...
  40. M

    Gaining Geometry Knowledge: A Guide to Books for the New Learner

    So I decided to buy the book The Elements because i couldn't pass the offer up(for $10, can you believe that?) and there is a few things in there that I can't understand, so could anyone recommend some easier more basic geometry books that I could learn from to give me the basis for what i need...
  41. Evo

    Test Your Anatomy Knowledge with this Quiz

    This one is just to test yourself, you're not competing against others, so don't google answers. It's multiple choice. Ten questions. Please use [color="#black"] for answers. Scored this way The quiz 1) The longest and largest nerve in the human body is the... - Spinal cord -...
  42. B

    Why aren't that many people interested in physics but on junk knowledge

    Or philosophy or astronomy or world affairs or any other intellectual endeavor? It just seems like the majority of people are interested in social status, (especially people under 30), what stupid move paris hilton will make next in order to gain attention, is lindsay lohan a cokehead or not...
  43. berkeman

    Bad Circuits - Test Your Knowledge

    Bad Circuits -- Test Your Knowledge We were having a discussion in a different thread about the fun sections at the end of each chapter in "The Art of Electronics" by Horowitz and Hill, where they show simple schematics as examples of Bad Circuits, without any explanation of what is bad or...
  44. Simfish

    Is it necessary to go through an university to gain knowledge?

    When a person can self-study and gain accreditation through certification exams? Are there examples of such examples in the IT industry, for example? Does the IT industry even care about one's credentials, irrespective of educational background?
  45. Q

    Knowledge, Thoughts, Observations, Memory and Activity

    Albert Einstein says that knowledge is a tree of which different specializations are its branches. Sri Krishna in Bhagwat Gita similarly, says that Knowledge is a tree upside down i.e., of which root is on top; and trunk, branches and leaves spread at bottom. If we all see the expansion of...
  46. W

    Is the pursuit of knowledge selfish?

    Why do some of us constantly pursue knowledge? Probably because attaining it, or part of it if you want to get technical, is a satisfaction in itself. Are we not, then, pursuing knowledge for the sole purpose of satisfying ourselves? We can say that the knowledge we obtain and share might be...
  47. P

    Knowledge vs Education: Who Should be Labeled as Educated?

    When people speak about getting an education, I think of science, maths, logic as the key foundations to an education. However there are many who supposeddly have an education but may not have done any science beyond year 10 and are very ignorant about maths. Should these people be labeled as...
  48. C

    Programs How to get degree equivalent knowledge without school:

    Good morning all, Anyone who is a physicist please respond to the following question: How would one go about gaining the knowledge of someone who has doctorate in physics without actually going to college (I'll explain why in a bit). My question is mainly targeted at what subjects I need...
  49. N

    C/C++ C++ Object-Oriented Assignment: Test Your Motion Knowledge

    Hi Everyone I have a object oriented C++ assignment which is due this week and I have no idea as to how start it.... This program prints a motion verb ( fly, run, swim, crawl, walk, or roll ), waits for a second, then prints the name of an entity and repeats the verb (for example: fly ..1s...
  50. K

    Exploring the Role of Class Notes and Textbooks in Knowledge Transmission

    Lately, i have try to find a answer for this question. I will be glad if some of you would point me to the right literature. With that being said, i will tell you why i ask this question. I have attended numerious courses in mathematics, and physics, and the one thing i have noticed is that...
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