Knowledge is a faculty of the human being, and at the same time, a set of information and concepts that we are learning over the years. However, there are different types of knowledge, depending on the field to which they refer, their characteristics, form of acquisition, etc.
In this article we will learn about the 17 most important types of knowledge. We will explain what each of them consists of, their characteristics, functions and how they are acquired.
What is knowledge?
Knowledge is considered a human facultywhich allows us to investigate and understand reality and the environment through reason. However, knowledge also has another meaning, which refers to ideas or skills that we acquire through learning.
So, when we learn new things, or when we have access to culturewe are acquiring knowledge. On the other hand, as we have already seen, knowledge itself can be considered a skill or a faculty, which allows us to explore the world, understand it and place our experiences in it.
We can find different types of knowledge, according to the parameters we use to classify them.
The 17 types of knowledge
How we do not all learn in the same way, nor do we all think in the same waythere is not just one type of knowledge, but many more. Each of them has specific characteristics, is acquired in a specific way and focuses on a specific area, as we will see below. With this in mind, the 17 most important types of knowledge are the following:
Scientific knowledge
The first of the types of knowledge that we propose is scientific knowledge, which is that which can be proven through science or the scientific method. Includes facts, statements, theories, etc. In other words, it groups together information and theories that have been proven through experiments, scientific tests, etc.
2. Theological knowledge
Also called religious knowledge or relieved, has to do with faith and religions. Among those who defend it, it is considered a source of absolute truth. It also has to do with the individual beliefs of people, these being of a religious nature.
3. Empirical knowledge
Empirical knowledge is obtained through observing the world and reality that surrounds us, through our interaction with the environment and the beings it contains, including humans. That is, it is produced from interactions. It is also sometimes referred to as “popular knowledge”, as empirical knowledge can sometimes be found within popular traditions.
4. Philosophical knowledge
This kind of knowledge arises through thinking and reflect on different issues that concern human beings and the concepts that surround him. That is to say, it is born as a result of reflecting on subjective (and immaterial) themes. It seeks to respond to all those questions that have been raised throughout the history of humanity (especially within the exercise of philosophy).
5. Intuitive knowledge
Intuitive knowledge arises and is generated through reactions to stimulus and feelings, sensations, needs, thoughts, etc. That is to say, it is a knowledge far from reason, based on sensations and intuition. It is based, in large part, on discovery, and on observing the reactions provoked by our actions. In addition it allows to relate these reactions with meanings, previous knowledge, etc.
6. Logical knowledge
The following of the types of knowledge is logical (also called “knowledge of propositions”); this one is born through the understanding of informationof ideas and the relationship between them.
Logical knowledge is born of reason and allows us to relate different ideas within a logical framework. It is one of the types of knowledge that best allows us to solve problems of everyday life, through relating previous experiences with current problems, acting using reason, and so on.
7. Mathematical knowledge
Another type of knowledge is mathematics; it is an abstract and rational knowledgerelated to numerical concepts and away from the most palpable or tangible world. Mathematical knowledge describes the world or events relatively accurately. This type of knowledge is closely linked to another type of logical knowledge that we have already commented on: scientific knowledge.
8. Semantic knowledge
The next type of knowledge is semantics. This is born as a result of learning words and meanings (definitions). Semantic knowledge increases as we learn other languages or that we expand our vocabulary; a way to improve it through reading.
An example that illustrates well this type of knowledge is the dictionary, since it contains the meaning of all the words of a language, and that is semantic knowledge.
9. Explicit knowledge
Another type of knowledge we can find is explicit knowledge. This kind of knowledge is that which is directly coded and stored in some medium (e.g. in a document, in written form). It is transmitted to others easily and directly. Besides, it’s easy to remember.
10. Implicit (tacit) knowledge
Implicit or tacit knowledge is a more practical type of knowledge, and compared to the previous one, it is more difficult to code or store. You learn through experiences.
Some of its characteristics is that it is an intuitive and very experiential knowledge (that is, it is based on the experiences that the person is experiencing). That is why as we live experiences, our tacit knowledge increases.
11. Systemic knowledge
Systemic knowledge is learned through combine semantic or mathematical elementsthat is to say, it is obtained from the result of grouping elements and forming systems. One of its functions is to give meaning to groups of elements.
12. Sensitive knowledge
This type of knowledge is learned or is acquired through the senses and sensations. That is to say, it is born from the perception of different stimuli (that usually are corporal), once we assimilate them.
This type of knowledge is related to bodily memory, or emotional memory, which is linked to bodily sensations. Sensitive knowledge can be fostered through sensory stimulation. An example of sensitive knowledge is the knowledge of colours, smells, flavours, etc.
13. Direct knowledge
Direct knowledge is acquired through directly experience a phenomenon with an object. This experimentation allows direct information to be obtained from that source of knowledge, and is not based on interpretations.
14. Indirect knowledge
This type of knowledge, unlike the previous one, is learned in an indirect way; that is, we obtain information from some source but no of the knowledge object itself (e.g. reading a book on a particular topic).
15. Public knowledge
Public knowledge is accessible, and can be reached directly; that is, it is information “open to the public” that we can find in society (in books, films, courses…).
16. Private knowledge
On the other hand, private knowledge is obtained through own and personal experiences. Since these are private experiences, not all people can access them, and therefore it is more difficult to access (private) knowledge.
17. Built-in Knowledge
Finally, the last of the types of knowledge is embodied knowledge, which is inherent in different phenomena, objects, structures, products, etc. This, in turn, can be of two types: formal or informal. If it is applied intentionally, it is formal, and if it is more spontaneous, it is informal.
Bibliographical references:
- Castillero, O. (2018). The 14 types of knowledge: what are they? Psychology and mind.
- Major, J. (1984). Psychology of thought and language. UNED. Madrid
- Sun, Y. (2011). Implicit Learning: Critical Aspects of its Definition and some of its Implications…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Psykhe, 7(2).