7 types of knowledge: Definitions & Usecases [2024 Guide]
We all know what knowledge is. We use it in everyday terms. But do you know what impact it has in professional lives?
Let’s trace back.
Knowledge is the act of knowing and it is what helps us make decisions or interact based on our facts. Basically, knowledge is stored facts - an accumulation of information that we can use in future whenever required.
But the important thing is - that we remember what we’ve stored. If we don’t, it’s just a hazy memory.
Similarly, in case of companies - companies produce a lot of content - for marketing purposes, sales, for their customer support - to be used in future interactions. But if you don’t remember where the information is, it’s useless. So, it becomes important that we create a knowledge base or use a proper knowledge management system to ensure everyone is able to access information when they need it.
And to do that, we start with the basics of what is knowledge, what are the different types of knowledge and how can you store them effectively. So let’s get started!
What is knowledge?
Defining knowledge is difficult, but knowledge can be seen as an awareness of facts, ideas, or situations. It includes familiarity with different subjects, people, and experiences.
A research paper defines knowledge as “Knowledge is a familiarity, awareness, or understanding of someone or something, such as facts, information, descriptions, or skills, which is acquired through experience or education by perceiving, discovering, or learning.”
Wikipedia defines knowledge as Knowledge is an awareness of facts, a familiarity with individuals and situations, or a practical skill.
In a business context, we can define knowledge as the collective sum of information, skills, experience, expertise, facts or even processes that individuals or organization as a whole process. For companies, their processes and these collective knowledge becomes a competitive advantage.
Here's how different aspects contribute to business knowledge:
- Information: Data, facts, figures, industry trends, customer insights, etc.
- Skills: Abilities and competencies of employees in diverse areas (marketing, finance, operations, etc.).
- Experience: Accumulated learnings from past projects, challenges, and successes.
- Expertise: Deep understanding and proficiency in specific domains relevant to the business.
On a side note: Did you know data is different from information which is in turn different from knowledge and wisdom?
In a research paper, Ramona Nelson mentioned how data, information, knowledge and wisdom differ. Data is nothing but raw facts, numbers or facts which is further used to draw insights from. When the raw facts are processed together to produce meaning or insight - it is called information. Now, when we piece together multiple information pieces - we get knowledge. Think of it as having all chapters of a textbook - where every chapter is information and every chapter’s facts are data. The true benefit of doing this exercise is when multiple knowledge pieces are used together to apply the knowledge to human problems - example using FAQs to solve customer queries or more.
Our main motto of accumulating every knowledge source is to ultimately take action - which is wisdom.
What are the 7 types of knowledge?
Now that we know what knowledge is, let’s explore the 7 types of knowledge that you need to be aware about:
- Explicit knowledge
- Implicit knowledge
- Tacit knowledge
- Procedural knowledge
- Declarative knowledge
- A Priori knowledge
- A Posteriori knowledge
We’ll discuss all of them in detail below with a definition, explanation and examples for each one of them.
The 7 types of knowledge you must know in 2024
1. Explicit Knowledge
Explicit knowledge is information that is easily articulated, codified, and transmitted. It encompasses facts, descriptions, and data that can be readily conveyed and understood by others.
Explicit knowledge is structured and systematic, making it accessible for documentation, teaching, and learning. It is the type of knowledge found in books, databases, and manuals, characterized by its clarity and the ease with which it can be shared and disseminated. In organizations, explicit knowledge is often captured in procedural documents, best practices, and guidelines, facilitating operational efficiency and knowledge transfer.
The value of explicit knowledge lies in its capacity to be efficiently managed and leveraged. By codifying experiences and insights, individuals and organizations can preserve knowledge, build upon existing information, and facilitate innovation.
Examples of Explicit Knowledge
Here are some examples of explicit knowledge:
Instruction Manuals: A user manual for a smartphone that details its features, operation, and troubleshooting steps serves as an example of explicit knowledge. The manual codifies the device's functionalities in a clear, accessible manner, allowing users to understand and utilize the product effectively.
Scientific Papers: Research articles published in academic journals represent explicit knowledge. These papers detail the methodology, findings, and conclusions of scientific investigations, offering a structured and documented account of research endeavors. They facilitate the dissemination of knowledge within the scientific community and beyond, enabling further research and application.
For companies, explicit knowledge can be FAQs, one sheets, pitch decks, knowledge base, privacy policy, etc. Here is an example of documented explicit knowledge used by companies.
2. Implicit Knowledge
Implicit knowledge is knowledge that we are not consciously aware of but that influences our thoughts and behaviors. In simple words, implicit knowledge is acquired or learned skills - on job or by education.
Implicit knowledge includes unconscious assumptions, beliefs, and skill. It is acquired through exposure and socialization, often without direct instruction. This type of knowledge is fundamental to understanding human behavior.
If explicit knowledge is documentation of how to use a Gen AI platform to create support AI assistants, implicit knowledge is a trained person who holds a certification or an expert of the platform - who knows how to create AI assistants to solve another problem - examples creating AI assistants.
The significance of implicit knowledge lies in its pervasive impact on how we navigate the world. It includes the cultural norms and values we absorb, the unconscious biases we hold, and the intuitive skills we develop over time.
Examples of implicit knowledge
Here are some examples of implicit knowledge.
Language Fluency: A native speaker's grasp of their language's grammar and idiomatic expressions is a form of implicit knowledge. While they may not be able to explicitly explain the rules of grammar, they can use them correctly in communication.
Cultural Practices: The customs and practices of one's culture are often internalized as implicit knowledge. For example, the social norms governing behavior in public spaces are understood and followed without conscious thought, reflecting the internalization of cultural knowledge.
3. Tacit Knowledge
Tacit knowledge refers to skills, abilities or knowledge that any individual gains through individual experiences, actions or involvement in activities which are often difficult to pass on or put in words.
Tacit knowledge is intangible knowledge. Tacit knowledge is personal, context-specific, and often unspoken knowledge that is difficult to transfer to others.
This image captures the essence of tacit knowledge succinctly:
It encompasses skills, ideas, and experiences that individuals may not be consciously aware of. It influences how they perceive and interact with the world. Tacit knowledge is crucial for the expertise of crafts, artistic expression, and decision-making in complex situations.
Tacit knowledge is often shared through social interactions, mentorship, and hands-on experience, rather than through formal instruction.
Examples of Tacit Knowledge
Artistic Skill: An artist's ability to create art is an example of tacit knowledge. This includes understanding how different colors interact, the impact of light and shadow, and the expression of emotion through brushstrokes—all of which are learned through practice and experience, not easily articulated or taught.
Leadership Abilities: Effective leadership often relies on tacit knowledge. A seasoned leader's ability to motivate a team, navigate complex organizational politics, and make strategic decisions is rooted in experiences and insights that are difficult to codify but are critical for success.
4. Procedural Knowledge
Procedural knowledge, also known as "know-how," refers to the knowledge of how to perform various tasks and activities. It involves understanding the processes and sequences of actions required to achieve specific goals.
Here is an idea of what procedural knowledge tackles:
Procedural knowledge is action-oriented. It is often acquired through practice and repetition. It encompasses the skills and methodologies that individuals use to accomplish tasks, ranging from simple physical actions to complex cognitive strategies. This type of knowledge is essential for the execution of tasks efficiently and effectively.
Procedural knowledge enables individuals to develop competencies and expertise in their fields, contributing to improved performance and productivity. Procedural knowledge is often transmitted through demonstration, practice, and hands-on training.
Examples of Procedural Knowledge
Riding a Bicycle: The knowledge of how to balance, pedal, and steer a bicycle is a form of procedural knowledge. These skills are acquired through practice and become ingrained in the rider's actions, allowing them to ride a bike without consciously thinking about the steps involved.
Programming: Writing computer code involves procedural knowledge. A programmer knows the syntax and structure required to create functional software, but this knowledge is applied through the process of coding, debugging, and testing, which are learned through experience.
5. Propositional Knowledge
Propositional knowledge, or "know-that," refers to knowledge of facts or propositions. For example “knowing kangaroos hop” or “knowing that 1 + 1 = 2” or “ a day has 24 hours”.
It is the understanding of specific pieces of information and the ability to classify them as true or false statements.
Propositional knowledge is about knowing that something is the case. It is declarative and can be communicated directly through language. This type of knowledge is essential for the collecting factual information and forms the basis of our educational systems. It allows for the transfer of discrete pieces of information from one individual to another.
The importance of propositional knowledge lies in its foundational role in building understanding and reasoning. It provides the building blocks for more complex cognitive processes, such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
Propositional knowledge examples
Historical Facts: Knowing that World War II ended in 1945 is an example of propositional knowledge. This fact can be stated, shared, and verified as true, representing a clear piece of information about a specific event.
Scientific Facts: Understanding that water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom is propositional knowledge. This fact about the composition of water can be clearly articulated and confirmed through scientific analysis.
6. A Priori Knowledge
A priori knowledge is knowledge that is not based on observation. A priori knowledge is something that is obtained by analyzing concepts and not experience. A classic example would be “There is no round square” or “Five is a prime number”.
Interesting way to define a priori knowledge is “ A priori knowledge is something you know without getting up from your sofa”.
This type of knowledge is foundational, requiring no empirical evidence to be accepted as true. It is derived through reason and logical analysis. It comprises concepts and truths that are universal and necessary.
The significance of a priori knowledge lies in its foundational role in various fields, including mathematics, philosophy, and logic. It provides a basis for constructing logical arguments, developing mathematical theories, and exploring philosophical questions. By distinguishing a priori knowledge from empirical knowledge, we gain insights into the nature of reasoning, the structure of language, and the limits of human understanding.
Priori knowledge examples
Mathematical Truths: Consider the statement "7 + 5 = 12." This truth does not require experimental verification. Through the application of mathematical principles and logical reasoning, one can deduce that the sum of seven and five must necessarily be twelve. This example highlights how a priori knowledge operates within the realm of mathematics, where propositions are validated through deduction rather than empirical evidence.
Logical Propositions: The statement "All bachelors are unmarried men" exemplifies a priori knowledge in the domain of logic. The truth of this proposition is derived not from gathering data about bachelors but from understanding the definitions of the terms "bachelor" and "unmarried." The statement is necessarily true, as its negation would result in a logical contradiction, underscoring the nature of a priori knowledge as independent of experiential verification.
7. A Posteriori Knowledge
A posteriori knowledge is knowledge that is derived from experience. Unlike a priori knowledge, which is independent of sensory experience, a posteriori knowledge relies on observation, experimentation, and sensory perception to ascertain truths about the world.
A posteriori knowledge emphasizes the role of empirical evidence in the formation of knowledge. It is foundational to the scientific method, where hypotheses are tested against observable realities. This type of knowledge is contingent, subject to revision in light of new evidence, and reflective of the complex, ever-changing nature of the empirical world.
The importance of a posteriori knowledge lies in its capacity to inform us about the specifics of the universe, from the laws of physics to the nuances of human behavior. It underlines the idea that our understanding of reality is shaped by our interactions with the environment, allowing for a nuanced comprehension that a priori knowledge alone cannot provide.
A Posteriori knowledge examples
Scientific Discoveries: The theory of gravity, as formulated by Isaac Newton, exemplifies a posteriori knowledge. Newton's observations of falling objects and the motion of celestial bodies led him to deduce the laws of gravity, which describe the attractive force between masses. This discovery was grounded in empirical observation, making it a quintessential example of a posteriori knowledge.
Historical Knowledge: Understanding historical events, such as the causes and consequences of World War II, relies on a posteriori knowledge. Historians gather evidence from documents, artifacts, and testimonies to construct narratives about the past. This process is inherently empirical, as it depends on the analysis of data gathered through experience.
Wrapping up types of knowledge
Understanding different types of knowledge is the first step of creating better knowledge management systems in personal as well as professional lives. Every type of knowledge plays an important role in improving knowledge sharing across teams.
If you’re looking to improve your knowledge management processes, implement Gen AI for enterprise search or simply use Gen AI to improve employee productivity - take a look at Alltius. Alltius’ Gen AI platform converse company’s organizational knowledge into an easy to search database - so your employees can find information when they want at the click of a button.
Alltius works on PDFs, audio, video, email, conversations and more and also integrates with your current tech stack. You can start using our enterprise search platform in as little as 15 minutes!
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