Types of knowledge and their characteristics

It is convenient to know the types of knowledge to which we are exposed , to open ourselves to them and experience everything they can offer us, so that in our day to day we can get more out of them.

Knowledge is the ability that human beings have to obtain all the information they want , to later organize all the acquired data that they can take advantage of at the time or later to solve a problem.

It is a more exact sense, knowledge is what is achieved or reaches the mind after experiencing something through the senses . While in the area of ​​philosophy, the theory of knowledge is called epistemology , taking care of everything that has to do with this issue when it comes from innate reasoning or lived experiences .

Types of knowledge

The types of knowledge can vary for various reasons , among them are the skills and abilities that human beings develop to acquire said knowledge. Next you will know what the knowledge that you can obtain may be:

1. Scientific knowledge

It is one of the most important types of knowledge, since it reflects exact and ordered data on the logic of the universe and all the elements that interact with it. This is possible thanks to the observation and use of tools that allow us to understand each of these processes of nature.

Characteristics of scientific knowledge

• You have an assumption that allows you to check the topic.
• It presents strict rules that lead to exact conclusions.
• Examine the entire context and social reality.
• It is directly supported by research.
• It encourages the capacity of observation to acquire knowledge.

Examples of scientific knowledge

• The Earth has two magnetic poles.
• Medicines such as pain relievers can decrease pain.

2. Religious knowledge

Through the orientation of behavior, knowledge of a religious nature is fostered through the beliefs and values ​​of a subject of that nature . In addition, it allows the person with such knowledge to experience trust, security and faith towards someone or something, even when it cannot be verified.

Characteristics of religious knowledge

• They are generally handed down by tradition.
• It is fostered through sacred activities or rituals.
• The rules, mandates or laws that govern the behavior of the individual must be fully complied with.
• Have experiences that you are free to admire and put into practice through example.
• Helps social interaction with other people.
• Produces personal safety.

Examples of religious knowledge

• It is believed in the presence of Adam and Eve as the first living beings
• Be careful not to sin according to biblical commands
• God is the creator of all things
• Jesus sacrificed his life for the forgiveness of human sins
• The Bible is the main book that governs the life of the person

3. Empirical knowledge

It is one of the types of knowledge found in data or information format, which is obtained through the practice of some activity . In other words, you learn through experience or observation.

Characteristics of empirical knowledge

• The capture of knowledge is through the senses.
• The process concentrates on memorizing the processes.
• It is formed by the observation and practice of real and concrete activities.
• Demonstrable experiences are those that produce results.
• Create a behavioral model in a real and practical way.

Examples of empirical knowledge

• Learn to walk in childhood.
• Speak the same mother tongue.
• Identification of geometric shapes, colors and flavors.
• Complete a puzzle.
• Ride a bicycle or car.
• Make some food.

4. Intuitive knowledge

It is called as one of the types of automatic knowledge, where the person can acquire it instantly . Which means that it is generated by the reactions of stimuli, feelings, ideas, or some need; so it is not necessary to activate the reason.

Intuitive knowledge characteristics

• It allows a better development in the human being.
• It is not necessary to demonstrate whether the acquired knowledge is true or not.
• It is based on the discovery of phenomena, things and objects.
• It concentrates on perception.
• React quickly to stimuli without having to analyze.

Examples of intuitive knowledge

• To be able to identify moods of some person.
• Differentiate if there are sensations in the other, such as some discomfort or cold.
• Allows you to react to a dangerous action.

5. Philosophical knowledge

This knowledge can be acquired through the analysis, reasoning of some written documents and reading as such, where all the information can be obtained in order to create a value judgment or opinion.Characteristics of philosophical knowledge

• Reasoning and analysis of past documents is encouraged to create information.
• The veracity of knowledge is measured by reasoning and meditation.
• Such knowledge is of a totalizing, historical and systematic nature.

Examples of philosophical knowledge

• Create questions that reveal the why of cultural or ethnic diversity.
• Carry out a comparison of various opinions on a complex topic.

6. Logical knowledge

These types of knowledge are also known as the knowledge of proportions, and it is one that arises through the compression of various ideas and how they are related to each other. That is, it is necessary to employ a reasoning process.

Characteristics of logical knowledge

• Through this knowledge, the person can solve day-to-day problems.
• Thanks to logical knowledge, important processes of comparison, observation and classification of ideas are activated.

Examples of logical knowledge

In this case, a proposition must be raised to later reach a conclusion:

1. Every Friday I go to the park.
2. Today is Friday.

The bottom line is: I have to go to the park today.

7. Mathematical knowledge

It is one of the most exact and abstract knowledge that exists, since it is completely linked to the way in which people manage to perceive the outside world and what surrounds them . In addition, everything uses numeric characters to express reality.

Characteristics of mathematical knowledge

• It is intertwined with scientific knowledge.
• Through this knowledge, rules and norms are created that allow defining properties.
• It is determined by numbers or figures.

Examples of mathematical knowledge

• A negative number reflects the lack or debt of something.
• The representation of positive numbers shows the increase of an element.

8. Semantic knowledge

Semantic knowledge is nothing more than all the information learned through words and the meaning of each of them . That is, knowing a word also knows what it means. In that sense, the more words are known, even in other languages, the more semantic knowledge will be.

Examples of semantic knowledge

• A dictionary has all the words with their meaning.

9. Systemic knowledge

Here you can experience the unification of two elements, such as mathematics and semantics in order to form systems. Therefore, such systemic knowledge can be applied in areas such as semiotics, semantics and even geometry .

Examples of systemic knowledge

• Some icons can identify various social groups as they describe a meaning.
• The Braille reading system for the visually impaired enables that individual to experience or create systemic knowledge.

10. Explicit knowledge

It is that knowledge that is extremely easy to remember, use and even identify from a distance. In addition, it is one of the types of knowledge most used to store information in documents.

Explicit knowledge characteristics

• It guarantees access to information in a safe, reliable and fast way.
• It can be easily modified, deleted or updated.

Examples of explicit knowledge

• Some company’s database presents data or information that employees can quickly know and understand.
• Documents, papers or notes that regularly remind you of pending tasks.

11. Tacit knowledge

It is about the capacity that the human being has to carry out administrative activities. So, it is a knowledge that is gradually acquired over the years and the sum of lived experiences; so it will change according to each person.

Characteristics of tacit knowledge

• It can hardly be transmitted to others.
• It is present in the minds of all human beings.
• It focuses mainly on actions of a personal nature, such as: performing a task or getting involved in a project.

Examples of tacit knowledge

• A person greets with two kisses on the cheek according to their culture.
• The repetitive practice of an activity according to the development of some activity.

12. Built-in knowledge

Said knowledge is found added in products, processes, structures or even in cultures; so it can be intentional or spontaneous depending on its application.

Characteristics of embedded knowledge

• It is linked to tacit knowledge since it cannot always be understood or modified if it is used spontaneously.
• If it is spontaneous, it can be modified.

Examples of embedded knowledge

• When the managers or owners of a company establish habits or activities for workers, which could be modified later.

13. Sensitive knowledge

This knowledge comes directly from everything that can be captured through the senses available to the human being; namely; it is activated when the brain receives the signals of the stimuli that have been moved.So, when the body relives a stimulus that it has already perceived before, the brain can recall again the memory of when it received the first stimulus.

Examples of sensitive knowledge

• Perceive an odor
• Distinguish flavors.
• Differentiate the temperature.

Benefits of gaining knowledge

1. Increase creativity.
2. Resilience is enhanced .
3. Build social skills.
4. Increase personal self-esteem .
5. Encourage positive thinking.
6. Produces well-being and optimism.
7. Improve public speaking when you converse.
8. Expand personal and friendly relationships.
9. Increase general culture.
10. Promotes intelligence and intellectual interest.

How can you acquire new knowledge?

Generally, excesses hurt, but when it comes to knowledge and the process to get there; the truth is there is no limitation that stops such learning. Of course, all this will depend on the interest that the person has , as well as the dedication and desire to undertake new challenges and activities that leave knowledge.

For example; learn to play a musical instrument or learn to speak another language, do crafts or some sport. This means that the person who requires knowledge must go out of their comfort zone to achieve it .

In addition, it will be necessary to take into account some factors such as those detailed below:

• Openness to new experiences

It is important to want to have access to knowledge and act accordingly, because in this way it will be much easier to interpret the facts.

• Proactive personality

To receive all the benefits that the new knowledge that reaches the human mind involves, it is necessary that the person is willing and eager to carry out the activities that are necessary for it.

And on the other hand, you can take into account a couple of practices that are effective to increase the acquisition of knowledge in a person’s assets, such as the ones you will read below:

• Read a book

Reading not only helps increase knowledge, it also keeps the brain active and that is essential for what is desired, since information and new ideas are constantly being processed . Therefore, it is normal to see that people who are extremely creative, usually have this need to read.

• Talk to someone experienced

The learning that is obtained through the experiences of other people is quite enriching and fundamental to develop the increase of knowledge , since said person experienced in some area will achieve that skills can be enhanced.

So it is advisable to take the time to speak with a different person whenever possible, with a person who brings many experiences and abilities; For this reason, conversations with older people are generally invited.

• Take classes

This point is not about the conventional high school classes that you are used to; but to classes that are different, fun and provide knowledge that is of great interest . However, face-to-face classes can also be taken as a second option.

• Try new things

Even when it is necessary to leave the comfort zone, it is best to face a new situation that allows to expand knowledge. Sure, all of this will depend on a few factors, but you can start by doing a new sport or physical activity , such as spinning, dancing, or zumba.

But if you are not very fond of doing a lot of physical effort, it is also beneficial to create some special food or paint a picture . Each of these things will allow a challenge to be created in the mind in order to learn something new.

Obviously, you should not focus on becoming a true expert; only acquire knowledge voluntarily, of what you want and when you want it.

• Ask questions

It is one of the main recommendations when seeking to know , without fear of appearing ignorant or annoying. So, when being with anyone, be encouraged to ask any details about their life if possible, or any lived experience. In addition to helping you get to know your whole environment better, you can learn many valuable things.

In short, knowledge is not a burden. On the contrary, it is quite an incredible and exciting adventure that helps people to get out of their comfort space to experience new things, new stories, new environments.

Although it may not seem like it, each person and even object or animal that surrounds human beings, has the power and ability to leave knowledge, whether large or small , but learning at the end. Do not be afraid and encourage yourself to continue growing in knowledge.

And do not forget that, even when you think that a knowledge does not fully benefit you, try to take into account all the recommendations to determine if it really is, or if on the contrary you should discard it and acquire another . The best of all is that it is not difficult at all, because just by reading a book or talking with a person, you will be on the right track.

Of course, none of this should be or be forced , since otherwise good knowledge will not result; but a bad experience. Which is not wanted. But, should that happen, do not forget that such experiences also leave something for you , a learning that you will decide whether to put into practice. This is something that is also related to intelligence , since each learning that you obtain can be very useful to use it in adverse situations.

On the other hand, knowledge is so wonderful and universal, that it has no limitations or barriers to get where you want , whether through documents, texts, videos, photographs, books, Internet, conversations, activities, crafts, sports, and so on. other practices; that closing the doors to knowledge would be a real tragedy for the benefits it offers.

Which means that there are no excuses for not expanding knowledge and the desire to learn new things that will be necessary at some point in life. As the saying goes , knowledge does not take place , so it is always convenient to be open to acquiring any type of knowledge, such as the ones we have detailed.