What constitutes general knowledge?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Avichal
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    General Knowledge
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of "general knowledge," particularly what constitutes it and how it is perceived across different cultures and contexts. Participants explore the definitions, implications, and cultural specificity of general knowledge, as well as its distinction from trivia and its relevance in social settings.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the term "culturally valued," suggesting it may not accurately represent the nature of general knowledge, which they argue is more culture-specific.
  • Others propose that general knowledge should be defined as what a well-educated person is expected to know, emphasizing that this varies significantly by culture.
  • A participant highlights the difference between general knowledge and trivia, suggesting that general knowledge includes practical information relevant to society, while trivia consists of culturally relevant but less useful facts.
  • Some argue that general knowledge can be seen as a minimum criterion for social acceptance within a dominant culture, while others view it as an anti-elitist pursuit that encourages understanding across different niches.
  • There is a discussion about the importance of knowing contemporary cultural references, such as popular movies and music, and how this knowledge can affect social perceptions.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the classification of "general," noting that it seems to depend on various factors like age and environment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definition of general knowledge, with multiple competing views and interpretations presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the cultural specificity of general knowledge and the potential for differing definitions based on individual backgrounds and societal norms. The discussion reflects a range of assumptions about what constitutes valuable knowledge in different contexts.

  • #31
Enigman said:
Cartoon show about a ghost family with a disembodied hand for a butler...can't for the life of me remember the show or any name...
(googling now)
.
.
.
nope...I was wrong not an Addams...confused with Cousin Itt

Sorry Enigman, no points. Gossamer is an old Looney Tunes character, but was overtaken by Taz in the popular media. Personally, my favorite is Foghorn Leghorn.



When I was a kid there were the Disney kids and the Looney Tunes kids. The Disney kids were a bit more serious and got good grades. The Looney Tunes kids were…well you know.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
SW VandeCarr said:
Sorry Enigman, no points. Gossamer is an old Looney Tunes character, but was overtaken by Taz in the popular media. Personally, my favorite is Foghorn Leghorn.



When I was a kid there were the Disney kids and the Looney Tunes kids. The Disney kids were a bit more serious and got good grades. The Looney Tunes kids were…well you know.


I didn't know his name, but my first reaction was, "The Bugs Bunny monster!"

Looney Tunes :thumbs:!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #33
I love Foghorn Leghorn.

Looney Toons were the best.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person

Similar threads

Replies
21
Views
3K
Replies
18
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
871
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 63 ·
3
Replies
63
Views
8K