Knowledge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Philosophy

• Renowned philosopher Plato believed knowledge was justified true belief, a foundational concept in epistemology.
• Descartes famously said, 'Cogito, ergo sum' which translates to 'I think, therefore I am', focusing on knowledge arising from doubt and thinking.
• In contemporary philosophy, debates continue about the nature and scope of knowledge, particularly in science and ethics.

Science

• Knowledge can be classified into different types: propositional (knowing that), procedural (knowing how), and experiential (knowledge from experience).
• Psychologists study how memories and cognitive processes work together to help us acquire knowledge throughout our lives.
• The 'Knowledge Gap Hypothesis' suggests that as new information spreads through society, those with prior knowledge will benefit more than those without.

Cultural Significance

• Many indigenous cultures emphasize the importance of oral traditions and experiential learning in passing down knowledge.
• In the Middle Ages, knowledge was often associated with the church, as they were the primary educators and preservers of texts.
• The Renaissance period marked a rebirth in the pursuit of knowledge, leading to advancements in science, art, and literature.

Technology

• The rise of the internet has transformed access to knowledge, allowing people worldwide to gather information instantly.
• Artificial intelligence is now capable of processing vast amounts of data, leading to what some call 'machine knowledge'.
• The concept of 'knowledge management' has become vital in businesses, focusing on how to effectively share and utilize information within organizations.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'knowledge' comes from the Old English 'cnāwleċe', which means to know or to recognize.
• Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic '*knūwaz', emphasizing the idea of understanding and awareness.
• Originally, belief and knowledge were intertwined in many cultures, leading to philosophical debates about how we acquire true knowledge.

The word 'knowledge' originated from the Middle English period, with roots in Old English and Germanic languages. It evolved from 'cnāwlece' in Old English, which meant acknowledgment or recognition. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass information, facts, and understanding. Knowledge has always been valued across cultures and civilizations as a source of power, progress, and wisdom.

See also: connoisseur, foreknowledge, know, knowingly, known, unknowing, unknowingly, unknowledgeable.

With position #358, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.

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• 355 date
• 356 analysis
• 357 party
• 358 knowledge
• 359 market
• 360 higher
• 361 force
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