Knowledge acquisition is the process used to define the rules and ontology required for a knowledge-based system.
Ways of Acquiring Knowledge
Knowledge can be acquired along the following ways:
Observation and Experience
This can vary in complexity, from a basic observation like “I noticed” to meticulously planned experiments.
Reason / Logic
Using existing information as input, new knowledge can be deduced through logical reasoning. For instance, the concept of an electron is formed through logical deductions based on observations and experimental data. However, since this derived knowledge relies on existing knowledge, its accuracy is limited by the quality of the original information. In various fields, such as computer programming, adopting a hands-on approach through modeling enables individuals to gain practical skills and understand how to accomplish tasks effectively.
Testimony
Gaining knowledge through testimony means believing what others tell us. For instance, I might only know that Kent is a county in England and that the First World War was terrible because someone else told me. While this is a common method of acquiring knowledge, philosophers often find it problematic. Check out the philosophical issues surrounding testimony for more insights.
Revelation
Some individuals think that knowledge can be gained through divine revelation, where insights are believed to come directly from a higher power or spiritual entity, often communicated through religious scriptures like the Bible. However, there is no factual evidence to back up this belief.
Authority
Information validated by authority can stem from the credibility of specific individuals like Aristotle or Einstein, or from respected institutions like the Roman Catholic Church or Oxford University. It’s important to recognize that authority can also derive knowledge from other sources such as divine revelation or direct observation, not solely relying on its own prestige. Additionally, authority might be influenced by political factors, wherein decisions are influenced by processes like peer review or democratic voting, which is a common aspect in academic circles.
