Knowledge is the cornerstone of human experience. It shapes our perception, guides our actions, and fuels our understanding of the world. But knowledge isn’t a monolithic concept. Philosophers and educators have identified different types of knowledge, each with its unique characteristics and significance. Three fundamental categories stand out: personal, procedural, and propositional knowledge.
Personal knowledge
The initial type of knowledge is personal knowledge, often termed as knowledge by acquaintance. When we assert statements like “I know Incidental music,” we refer to this type of knowledge. Personal knowledge pertains to being familiar with something. It may encompass possessing certain propositional knowledge, but the essence lies in familiarity rather than just knowing propositions.
Personal knowledge, sometimes called acquaintance knowledge, is deeply rooted in our individual experiences. It’s the intimate understanding we gain through directly encountering the world. This includes:
- Sensory experiences: The vibrant colors of a sunset, the sweet taste of your favorite dessert, the coolness of a gentle breeze – these are all personal knowledge acquired through our senses.
- Autobiographical memories: Our personal history, from childhood experiences to recent events, shapes our personal knowledge. We know what it feels like to fall off a bike, the joy of a birthday celebration, or the frustration of a failed test.
- Preferences and aversions: Our personal knowledge encompasses our likes and dislikes. We know whether we prefer reading a book under a shady tree or listening to music indoors.
- Intuitions and gut feelings: Sometimes, we have a hunch about something without a clear logical reason. This “knowing” without conscious reasoning is part of personal knowledge.
Personal knowledge is subjective and unique to each individual. It’s difficult to communicate fully to others, as it relies heavily on the context of our specific experiences.
Procedural Knowledge: The Art of “How To”
The second type of knowledge is procedural knowledge, which refers to knowing how to perform a specific task or activity. When someone claims to possess procedural knowledge, like knowing how to juggle or drive, they’re not just saying they understand the principles involved; they’re asserting that they have the actual ability to perform those tasks. This type of knowledge is distinct from propositional knowledge, which is knowing the theory or facts about something. You can have all the theoretical knowledge about driving a car, like knowing what each pedal does and where your blind spots are, but until you actually get behind the wheel and apply that knowledge, you don’t truly know how to drive. Knowing how to drive requires possessing the skill and ability to perform the task, which goes beyond simply knowing facts.
Procedural knowledge, also known as “know-how,” empowers us to perform tasks and navigate situations. It’s the step-by-step understanding of how to do something. Here are some key aspects:
- Skills and techniques: From riding a bicycle to playing a musical instrument, procedural knowledge allows us to execute complex actions with relative ease.
- Recipes and instructions: Following a recipe or assembling furniture requires procedural knowledge to translate the steps into action.
- Habits and routines: The way we brush our teeth or get ready in the morning are ingrained procedural knowledge that guides our daily lives.
Procedural knowledge can be acquired through various means:
- Observation: Watching someone demonstrate a skill can be the first step towards learning it ourselves.
- Practice and repetition: The more we do something, the more refined our procedural knowledge becomes.
- Explicit instructions: Reading instructions, watching tutorials, or attending workshops all provide procedural knowledge.
Procedural knowledge is often easier to share than personal knowledge. We can write down instructions, demonstrate techniques, or create video tutorials to pass on our “know-how” to others.
Propositional Knowledge: Unveiling the Facts
Philosophers focus primarily on propositional knowledge, which pertains to factual understanding. When we assert statements like “I know that a triangle’s internal angles sum up to 180 degrees” or “I know that you ate my sandwich,” we’re claiming this type of knowledge. While there are various forms of knowledge, epistemology’s central concern lies in propositional knowledge—knowledge concerning what is true or false. The boundaries between different types of knowledge blur, as personal knowledge also involves understanding certain facts about someone, and procedural knowledge inherently includes some factual understanding. However, having propositional knowledge alone doesn’t suffice for acquiring personal or procedural knowledge. Personal knowledge necessitates acquiring factual information in a specific manner, and procedural knowledge may incorporate factual understanding, but possessing the same set of facts doesn’t guarantee procedural knowledge.
Propositional knowledge, also known as declarative knowledge, is the realm of facts and truths (or what we believe to be true) about the world. It’s the objective, impersonal understanding of things, concepts, and relationships. Key characteristics include:
- Facts and figures: Knowing that the Earth revolves around the sun or that water boils at 100°C (212°F) is propositional knowledge.
- Historical events: Understanding the causes and consequences of historical events like the French Revolution or World War II falls under propositional knowledge.
- Scientific principles: The laws of physics, chemistry, and biology are all examples of propositional knowledge that helps us understand the natural world.
Propositional knowledge is often acquired through:
- Formal education: Textbooks, lectures, and classroom learning provide a strong foundation of propositional knowledge.
- Informal learning: Reading books, articles, and watching documentaries contribute to our propositional knowledge base.
- Social interaction: Hearing from others and engaging in discussions can expand our understanding of the world.
Propositional knowledge is the most readily transferable type of knowledge. We can share facts through written language, verbal communication, or technology.
