Knowledge is the result of the work carried out by the intellect to understand reality. There are different types of knowledge, and sometimes they share certain common features. The difference between the different types of knowledge resides, mainly, in the way of acquiring it.
Empirical knowledge: It is obtained by interaction and observation.
Scientific knowledge: understanding through the scientific method.
Philosophical knowledge: born of reflections and thought.
Theological or doctrinal knowledge: it is sustained in dogmas of faith and sacred texts.
Math Knowledge: uses logical principles to solve problems.
intuitive knowledge: learned through common sense.
Affective Knowledge: It is obtained through emotions and feelings.
Analytical knowledge: It is reached by logical reflection.
synthetic knowledge: uses various approaches to create new concepts.
empirical knowledge
Also called popular knowledge, is knowledge acquired through observation and interaction with the environment. It is the result of personal experience and common sense and not of scientific verification.
This knowledge does not propose a method for the observation of the object, nor does it require systematic verifications to reach its conclusions.
This makes it fallible and inaccurate knowledge. However, it can be verified, since it is about things linked to day-to-day life.
Example: a farmer knows exactly when to plant and harvest as a result of his experience in previous harvests.
scientific knowledge
scientific knowledge is related to logic and critical and analytical thinking. It is the knowledge that we have about facts analyzed and verified by a method, so that its truth or falsity can be demonstrated.
It is factual knowledge and for this reason it is also fallible and approximately exact, since new ideas can modify previously accepted theories.
Example: the discovery of penicillin as a medicine to fight infections that threaten humans.
philosophical knowledge
philosophical knowledge It is based on reflection and construction of concepts and ideas from the use of reasoning in search of knowledge.
Philosophical knowledge arose from the human being’s ability to reflect, mainly, on subjective, immaterial issues, concepts and ideas.
Since these are theories that cannot be proven, it is not verifiable and, therefore, it is infallible and exact.
Example: Platonic thought in which there are two opposing worlds, the world of ideas and the sensible world.
Theological or doctrinal knowledge
Theological or doctrinal knowledge is based on religious doctrine and interpretation of sacred texts or writings. It can include beliefs and teachings about God, divinity, revelation, morality and ethics, the history and origin of the world and humanity, and many other topics related to religion.
There is no need for scientific verification for a certain TRUE be accepted from the point of view of this type of knowledge. Theological knowledge is infallible and exact, since it is a supernatural truth.
Example: the belief in the existence of God and in the divinity of Jesus Christ is an example of theological or doctrinal knowledge for some Christian people.
mathematical knowledge
It is characterized by using math concepts and skills to understand the real world. Is used to solve problems on a day-to-day basis, such as numerical or spatial calculations.
The acquisition of this type of knowledge is done through training and education. It consists of learning logical principles, which allow abstract reasoning to be carried out in an analytical and systematic way.
Example: calculating an expense or a space in which to park the car are some practices that require mathematical understanding.
intuitive knowledge
Intuitive knowledge does not require prior reasoning, dderived from common senseprevious experience and intuition. It is a type of knowledge that does not require logical thinking, so it is usually used in situations where there is no time to think of an answer or solution.
Example: someone who has lived in a city for a long time is capable of moving through its streets without having to think or consult a map.
affective knowledge
It is a type of knowledge that is born from the emotions and the feelings associated with a particular experience. These feelings can be diverse, both positive and negative. It is related to the unconscious part of knowledge and generates a great influence on the way of perceiving reality.
Example: if a person has had a traumatic experience in the past, they may have a negative affective awareness of certain situations or places that generate negative feelings such as sadness or anxiety.
analytical knowledge
Analytical knowledge is acquired through observation and logical reflection and is used to analyze and understand abstract concepts. Breaks down a problem into smaller parts and examines each one separately. It is a rational and systematic way of thinking, used in various fields to solve problems through well-founded solutions based on critical thinking.
Example: A business manager uses analytical knowledge to examine and analyze data and come up with logical and strategic solutions to business problems.
synthetic knowledge
It is a type of knowledge that is acquired through the combination and integration of different perspectives, ideas, and concepts to form a fuller and broader understanding of a topic or problem. It allows you to see things from different angles and find creative solutions to complex problems.
Example: When studying a historical event, synthetic knowledge helps to integrate and compare different points of view for a broader and more balanced understanding of said event.
See also:
References:
Hessen, J., Gaos, J., & Romero, F. (1981). theory of knowledge. Espasa-Calpe. Robayna, MMS, & Machın, MC (2003). Mathematical knowledge and teaching of mathematics in secondary education. Some reflections. Special Edition: Mathematical Education, 151. Borrego, AOA, Barrantes, CL, & Boza, OC (2010). Types of knowledge and preferences for problem solving. Industrial data, 13(2), 25-37.