A brain divided into sections, each labeled with a type of knowledge Types of Knowledge

Types of Knowledge Mapped on a Brain

A brain divided into sections, each labeled with a type of knowledge

Introduction

Understanding the different types of knowledge can help us grasp how we come to know things and how we apply that understanding in various aspects of life. This article aims to provide an overview of these types. For a broader perspective, you may want to read the parent article What is Knowledge? or the Overview of What There is to Know.

Explicit Knowledge

Explicit knowledge is factual and can be easily communicated and shared, often in the form of data, scientific formulas, and manuals. Learn more about how explicit knowledge is utilized in Explicit Knowledge in Practice.

Tacit Knowledge

Tacit knowledge is difficult to articulate or share and is often acquired through personal experience or intuition. For a deeper exploration, see Tacit Knowledge and its Implications.

Tacit Knowledge in Action

A person gesturing, trying to convey an idea that is hard to put into words

Procedural Knowledge

Procedural knowledge involves knowing how to perform various tasks and activities. This includes both cognitive and motor skills. Learn more in Understanding Procedural Knowledge.

Declarative Knowledge

Declarative knowledge is factual information that one can declare, often answering "what" questions. Topics like history and science are rich with declarative knowledge. See more at Exploring Declarative Knowledge.

Semantic and Episodic Knowledge

Semantic knowledge relates to general facts about the world, while episodic knowledge concerns specific events in one's life. For further insights, see Semantic vs. Episodic Knowledge.

Semantic and Episodic Knowledge

Two folders labeled 'Semantic' and 'Episodic' containing different types of information

A Priori and A Posteriori Knowledge

A priori knowledge is acquired independently of experience, while a posteriori knowledge relies on real-world experience. Discover the significance of these terms in A Priori and A Posteriori: A Comparison.

Domain-Specific Knowledge

Certain knowledge is specific to particular fields, such as medical knowledge, engineering principles, or legal statutes. For a deeper dive, see Exploring Domain-Specific Knowledge.

Intuitive Knowledge

This refers to understanding or skills that are acquired without conscious reasoning. Although often dismissed, intuitive knowledge can be very valuable. Learn more in The Role of Intuitive Knowledge.

Conclusion

Knowledge comes in many forms and types, each with its own applications and implications. By understanding these categories, we can become more effective learners and communicators. For more on this topic, revisit the parent article What is Knowledge? or the Overview of What There is to Know.

Sharing Types of Knowledge

A diverse group of people sharing different types of knowledge through books, discussions, and hands-on activities