Definition of knowledge
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Philosophical Definitions of Knowledge: Justified True Belief and Its Challenges
The traditional philosophical definition of knowledge is "justified true belief," a concept that dates back to Plato. According to this view, for someone to have knowledge, they must believe something, that belief must be true, and there must be justification for holding that belief. However, this definition has been criticized for being vague and inconsistent, as what counts as "true" or "justified" can be debated and may depend on individual or group perspectives 13. Some philosophers argue that knowledge may be nothing more than true belief, challenging the need for additional conditions like justification .
Knowledge as Familiarity, Understanding, and Experience
Beyond philosophy, knowledge is often described as familiarity or understanding of something or someone, gained through experience, education, or other means. This practical view emphasizes that knowledge involves acquiring information, skills, or facts, and is closely linked to personal experience and learning 210. In this sense, knowledge is not just abstract but is also resourceful and applicable in real-life situations.
Knowledge as a Capacity for Action and Social Phenomenon
Some researchers define knowledge as a capacity for social action—a model for reality that enables individuals or groups to solve problems, create objects, or prevent undesirable outcomes. This perspective highlights knowledge as a collective and dynamic phenomenon, not just an isolated "piece" of information. It also draws attention to the role of knowledge in enabling action and its transformation into practical outcomes under the right circumstances .
Explicit and Tacit Knowledge: Types and Contributions
Knowledge can be divided into explicit knowledge, which is easily communicated and documented, and tacit knowledge, which is personal, context-specific, and harder to formalize. Both types are essential and contribute to all human activities, from professional practice to everyday decision-making .
Measurement and Certainty in Knowledge
Traditional methods of measuring knowledge often focus on whether a belief is true and justified, but this approach can be limited. Some suggest expanding the definition to include the certainty or confidence a person has in their knowledge, capturing important dimensions that are often neglected in standard assessments .
The Elusive and Evolving Nature of Knowledge
Despite centuries of debate, there is no universally accepted definition of knowledge. Attempts to define it have led to various models and metaphors, such as knowledge as objects, energy, or flows, reflecting its complex and multifaceted nature . Some scholars argue that knowledge is an abstract concept with no clear boundaries, and that our understanding of it continues to evolve 39.
Conclusion
In summary, knowledge is a complex and debated concept. Philosophically, it is often defined as justified true belief, but this definition faces significant challenges. Practically, knowledge is seen as familiarity, understanding, and the capacity for action, shaped by experience and context. It exists in both explicit and tacit forms, and its measurement may benefit from considering certainty and confidence. Ultimately, knowledge remains an evolving and multifaceted concept, central to human thought and activity.
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