Knowledge

Knowledge (also called cilmi) is understanding or information that a person has about a matter, event, or fact. It differs from mere belief or opinion, since knowledge typically requires that what is believed is true and that the person has justification for it.

Knowledge is examined from various angles: how it is acquired (perception, reason, testimony from others), how it is validated, and how it is recorded or transmitted across generations. The branch of philosophy that studies knowledge is called epistemology.

Philosophical Definition

The traditional definition holds that knowledge is "justified true belief": a person must believe something, that thing must be true, and the person must have justification or reason for it. In the twentieth century, philosophers presented counterexamples showing that these three conditions are not always sufficient, leading to ongoing debate about what else should be added.

Sources of Knowledge

Conventionally, several sources are identified: perception (sight, hearing, touch), reason and logic, memory, and testimony of others. Some religious traditions also include revelation and scholarly authority. Each source has limitations and potential for error.

Types and Distinctions

A distinction is made between propositional knowledge (knowing that something is the case) and practical knowledge (knowing how to do something, how something works). Knowledge is also categorized as empirical (based on perception and experience) and rational (based on reason, like mathematics).

Knowledge in Society

Knowledge is not solely personal; it accumulates in institutions such as universities, libraries, and research networks. Oral traditions like those of Somalia have used poetry, narrative, and proverbs to preserve and transmit knowledge about history, pastoral practice, and practical skills. Modern technology has changed the means by which knowledge is shared and raised questions about how its accuracy is verified.