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. MathematicalPhysicist

    How much programming knowledge does a mathmatician need?

    well as the title suggests, perhaps next summer ill be taking courses from our computer science department, i want to know how much knowledge of programming does a mathematician needs? up till now I am taking one course which is entitled computers for physicists. it's not much of a...
  2. P

    Medical The difference between procedural and propositional knowledge?

    I'm having a bit of trouble distinguishing between procedural knowledge and propositional knowledge. Particularly in problem solving. Generally the difference between them is knowing how and knowing what, respectively. Propositional knowledge is composed of four parts, syntactic (learning...
  3. A

    General knowledge for you, but I NEED ANSWERS

    General knowledge for you, but I NEED ANSWERS! I've always hated anything related to politics/economy/buisness. I hate business so much that I always spell it wrong too. I keep on putting the i before the s. Anyway, here are a few 'general knowledge' questions, which might be general knowledge...
  4. 3

    Exploring the Fascinating World of Physics: A Guide for Beginners

    Okay i am not a physics master. I'm in honors high school physics with a C. But physics is just so interesting. I just wish I was better at it. I'm always making stupid mistakes on tests Anyways. I am really interested in learning about the weird things in physics. Like tachyons, string...
  5. S

    How are we suppose to obtain knowledge?

    Sometimes when we obtain knowledge from only one source, we become ignorant. Ex. Hardcore religious Fundamentalist. And when we learn knowledge by memorizing instead of understanding, it only gives us materialistic profit but no mental benefit.(getting an A+ in class) But how do we know we...
  6. A

    Problem Solving Skill vs. Knowledge

    Problem Solving Skill vs. Mathematical Knowledge Here goes more of my mathematical musings: Problem Solving Skill vs. Mathematical Knowledge. Which is more important to you? Spending time to improve one will cost you time to improve the other. You must excel at both to become a...
  7. C

    Free knowledge through internet

    hi everyone I am a new member to this forum and i study physics.. i would like to know if you know any sites with free e-books about physics :confused: thanks a lot
  8. A

    A Mathematician's Knowledge

    Ok, this may sound like a stupid question, but I really, really need to know. How much more mathematical knowledge does a typical mathematician have than a math specialist student who has just finished fourth year university math courses? Before you criticize my question, let me explain...
  9. H

    Test Your Knowledge: Visit from a Scientist on Relativity

    Hi. My school is getting a visit from a scientist that is told to be really good on special and general relativity. My teacher of course wants us to ask really tricky and hard questions and try to put him in place. Now I asking you guys for really hard questions :smile: Do you know something...
  10. M

    Checking thermocouple knowledge

    Hello to all. I want to check my knowledge about theory nad principles of thermocoupels. Please can you read .pdf file in attachment and comment? Thank you very much in advance.
  11. A

    Can liretature ''tell the truth'' better than other areas of knowledge?

    Hye everybody... I have a problem here..actually I'm taking International Baccaulareate course and I've required to do a Theory of Knowledge essay in order for me to get my diploma...The question is : *Can liretature ''tell the truth'' better than other areas of knowledge?* I've...
  12. O

    Gap in fundamental knowledge of differential equations

    This is a question where the answer is given but I don't understand how to derive it. The answer to the homogeneous eq. is: A cosh(x) + B sinh(x) with no explanation of how it is arrived at and the given answer then goes on to describe how the non-homogeneous part is solved. Diff. eq. ...
  13. W

    Help with game theory (specific knowledge in game theory probably not required)

    Note: At the bottom of this post is a scan of the problem from the textbook, and then in the next post are scans of previous pages from the textbook, but (unless you're familiar with game theory) you probably should read my own words before you read the textbook scans. I have an equation: u1 =...
  14. S

    Medical Transfer of knowledge: machine to brain

    i tried searching for it on google but couldn't get the right term. Do you guys know of any research going on trying to transfer knowledge directly into brain like chip?
  15. siddharth

    Tech Fest Trivia Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!

    A tech fest is fast approaching in my university, and as part of the run up, a couple of my friends made a nice trivia quiz, which concluded yesterday. So, here it is. Feel free to google and remember to hide your answers using [ color=#black] 1. Identify the person in the picture. (Hint: He...
  16. Evo

    Lack of geographic knowledge

    I'm working on a pricing request for an independant telephone company and they furnished me a list of countries for which they want pricing. What's the first country listed? Africa. :bugeye: I don't know how to bring up the fact that Africa is not a country without embarrassing them and...
  17. R

    Math knowledge used in theoretical physics

    Hi, as usual in September I am deciding which courses to take. I am in the second year of my study and so far I am following the more theoretical path, later maybe with focus on quantum mechanics and quantum information processing. My question is: which math courses should I take this year...
  18. Evo

    The Knowledge vs. Intellect Test

    9/9 Genius You are 87% knowledgeable and 84% intellectual. Amazing! You have an incredible brain (intellect) and a powerhouse of information (knowledge)! Keep up the impressive work-- we all bow to you. My test tracked 2 variables How you compared to other people your age and...
  19. C

    Knowledge needed to be an engineer?

    Hi, I am currently taken Pre Cal and it seems to be really easy to me (I have a 101 average right now =0 ) and I was wondering what is the highest math that you need to become an engineer that like makes highways, bridges, buildings, and stuff like that. Also, is Calculas AB and BC just as...
  20. S

    What knowledge mysticism provides?

    i read a lot recently about mysticism as means to knowledge. What knowledge specifically can it bring? Can ppl accept this "knowledge" even when its for them not reachable/verifiable, either due to the fact that majority of ppl don’t meditate, or because they cannot reach that level in...
  21. O

    Medical Is intelligence equal to knowledge?

    Intelligence is the mental capacity to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend ideas and language, and learn. I had a little thought experiment the other day, and I thought I'd share it here. If we define knowledge as knowing something, as in, a piece of information, no...
  22. D

    Test Your Knowledge: Laser Light Facts

    hi, i have this Qns as follows : which of the following statements about laser is incorrect? a. Laser light can be focused to a tiny spot. b. Laser light must be visible. c. Laser light travels in vacuum at a speed of 3 X 10^8 m/s d. Laser light can be extremely powerful. e. Laser...
  23. Pengwuino

    Is a 200-Question Biology Exam More About Stamina Than Knowledge?

    Biology... 200 questions... 2 hours... Im sorry but if this professor really thought he was testing our knowledge rather then our sheer stamina, he has another thing coming. At some point.. seriously... your brain just seems to start shutting down. I know when it was around problem 150, my...
  24. D

    Test Your Knowledge: Laser Light Facts

    hi, i have this Qns as follows : which of the following statements about laser is incorrect? a. Laser light can be focused to a tiny spot. b. Laser light must be visible. c. Laser light travels in vacuum at a speed of 3 X 10^8 m/s d. Laser light can be extremely powerful. e. Laser...
  25. ZapperZ

    Americans lacking in geographic knowledge

    http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060502/ap_on_re_us/where_s_louisiana Now add this to the miserable literacy in science, I'd say we have it made. Zz.
  26. J

    Creating a Car Model for Turning: Dynamics Knowledge Needed

    I'm trying to create a model for a car turning to make a differential (I need forces aplied on the wheel, and all other things) but I don't have enough knowledge of dynamics to do that. Does someone know a book(s), papers or sites with good explanation about that?
  27. J

    Test Your Knowledge: Take the Novice Beginning Physics Quiz!

    Near the top of this web page, there is a link to a quiz. If you take the Novice quiz called "Beginning Physics", you will find an error in question 4: Question: A cyclist changes velocity from 5 m/sec [N] to 15 m/sec [N] in 4.0 sec. What is the value of her acceleration? a) 2.5 m/sec b)...
  28. T

    Imagination is more important than knowledge

    According to the concept of space-time, we live in a 4 dimensional universe. But according to electro-magnetism and any other subject that uses imaginary or complex numbers, we express the world in 5 or more dimensions and assume they are imaginary, possibly because we have already seen they...
  29. N

    Discrete Math Knowledge & Computer Programming

    How useful is the knowledge of discrete math for computer programmers?
  30. W

    Seeking Quantum Well Knowledge: Who Can Assist?

    Sir: I need the knowledge of the quantum well, who can help me?
  31. R

    Is QM interpretation a matter of knowledge and probability?

    One of my goals in participating in this forum, is to get my physics chops back, after a long period in the hinterlands of commerce. I've learned a great deal from many bright and interesting people here. My introduction to QM happened almost 50 years ago, at which point I became fascinated...
  32. S

    How do know if something is red-shifted without prior knowledge?

    sorry if this sounds a tad retarded but astronomical topics arent my forte...how do know if something is red-shifted without prior knowledge? say you've got light emitted from galaxy far far away at 500nm, and it ends up on Earth at 510nm. how can you differentiate between 510nm actual...
  33. marcus

    Wilczek: Enlightenment, Knowledge, Ignorance, Temptation

    http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-ph/0512187 Enlightenment, Knowledge, Ignorance, Temptation Frank Wilczek 10 pages, 5 figures. Summary talk at "Expectations of a Final Theory'', Trinity College, Cambridge, September 2005 "I discuss the historical and conceptual roots of reasoning about the parameters...
  34. samalkhaiat

    Is Physics Truly Scale-Dependent and How Does Decoupling Occur?

    Hi, I would like to know your thoughts about the following two fact in physics; 1) Physics is scale-dependent; at each scale of distences we have different degrees of freedom and different dynamics, we need a different theory. 2) Physics at a larger scale decoples from the physics at...
  35. DaTario

    Completing Knowledge in Mechanics (virial)

    Hi everybody, I would like to know: 1)what is the so-called VIRIAL in physics, 2) what is the VIRIAL THEOREM and 3) comments on its importance in physics. It always sounded too much mysterious to me. Thank you all, DaTario
  36. I

    Is Knowing Everything Possible?

    Is it possible to know everything? If it is possible, then is it dependent on time? that is, for a defined moment in time (say a second), one person can know all that there is to know about the universe. since the universe is constantly changing, the future state cannot be stated definitely...
  37. G

    Knowledge of the superposition of states

    Is it completely impossible, even in principle, that eventually there can be a device by which we could know about the superposition of states without collapsing it? For example, being able to know that an atom is in a 30% probability of being unexcited and a 70% probability of being excited...
  38. L

    Ion Sputtering: Finding Resources for Knowledge

    I meet a problem about "ion sputtering "in my work,I want to acquire some knowledge about "ion sputtering ",who can tell me where can i find relative articles? THANKS!
  39. A

    Special Relativity Knowledge Challenge (for experts only)

    This is specifically targeted towards those who claim to be experts in the area of Special Relativity. The following derivation derives the Lorentz equations of special relativity. Follow the derivation and list the assumptions (postulates) used to derive the theory. That is to say, if a...
  40. P

    Limited knowledge of electrical circuits

    I have a limited knowledge of electrical circuits and recently it got put to test. I live in Arizona and the A/C on my house quit. I found that the condensing fan motor had siezed This is what was in the unit. 1/5 hp, 825 RPM 208-230 vac, 1.1 amp with a 7.5 ufd capacitor. The local...
  41. z-component

    Some thought to the real meaning of knowledge

    I've been giving some thought to the real meaning of knowledge. Do things that I know in the back of my mind count as knowledge? If I forget something but somehow my mind is triggered and I remember it five years from now, I obviously know the information, but I didn't at the time. So...
  42. I

    Fire Modelling: An Overview of Knowledge and Techniques

    does anyone have any knowledge on fire modelling?
  43. cronxeh

    Read Physics Postdoc's Reflections on Education, Knowledge, & Life

    Ahh that title should get your attention! Ive been reading this guy's blog online. He is a postdoc in Physics and his views on education, knowledge, and attitudes towards certain things are right on the money - I think...
  44. S

    Designing Circuit Boards with No Circuit Knowledge

    Is there a program for designing circuit boards that does not require knowledge of circuits? Were you can just specify what you want the circuit to do and the program designs the circuit board for you.
  45. H

    What is the Knowledge Horizon Contest and how can you participate?

    Well... let me offer a small contest - I called it Knowledge Horizon Contest, and you'll find out why in a couple of minutes: 1. Everyone who wishes to enter the contest has to post a single question in this thread till Friday 22 APR 0:00 GMT. The poster is recognized as an author of the...
  46. M

    Exploring the Nature of Knowledge

    While reading and engaging in discussions regarding reality etc, i am struck with an overriding urge to ask the following question: Without spewing forth memorised definitions from well established sources, what are some general conclusions/anecdotes concerning the nature of knowledge? ta...
  47. P

    Is There a Limit to How Much Knowledge We Can Attain?

    Knowledge is the solutions to problems, whether they be mathematical, scientific, or practical. When I look at science or math for instance, I see a rat race. We always seem to be chasing down solutions to our problems or just for the fun of it. Yet everytime we think we have found that...
  48. Loren Booda

    Is the scientific method both faith and knowledge based?

    Does the scientific method mark the coexistence between belief and actual science, and describe tenets that involve a religion of information? Its prediction of world events may apply equally to measuring the electron's mass, or consequently to the conviction in its own efficacy. The...
  49. T

    Exploring Mathematics with Limited Knowledge

    so, I'm currently working on my bachelor's in mathematics, and seriously considering going on to pursue a PhD after that. Currently, I'm frustrated (not for long, semester is nearly over) with my calc II course and "matrix theory and linear algebra", though not so much the latter as the former...
  50. B

    Begin to use assembly without any programming knowledge

    I don't know anything about programming. Is it okay if I start with assembly? And more importantly, how can I begin to use assembly without any knowledge. If you could offer me a book / website, I'd really be pleased.
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