Exploring Different Types of Human Knowledge

This article will explore various categories, often referred to as types of knowledge. What exactly is knowledge? Is it linked to formal education? Is knowledge invariably practical? How do we define knowledge? These questions, among others, will be addressed in the following article. Let’s begin, as we typically do.

What Is Human Knowledge?

The English language contains numerous definitions for words, accessible both online and offline. Nevertheless, I find it fulfilling to define words in my own terms, based on my personal perspective and comprehension. This approach signifies that when we define words in our own manner, we have truly grasped and internalized their meanings, which epitomizes genuine education. Alright, that will suffice for the moment. The lecture concludes here.

“In everyday usage, knowledge refers to awareness of or familiarity with various objects, events, ideas, or ways of doing things. However, as philosophers have long noted, things get complicated quickly.”
Gregg Henriques Ph.D.

To me, knowledge signifies the practical know-how of doing something. Yet, there are various kinds and methods of acquiring knowledge. For instance, we may retain the ability to write even if we don’t actively engage in writing daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly. Does a long period without writing imply a loss of this skill? We may possess the knowledge but not apply it, which constitutes head knowledge.

We will explore two primary types of knowledge: discovery and revelation. Additionally, we will examine three levels of knowledge: head, heart, and hand. Information provides us with head knowledge, which is a level of knowledge rather than a type. Similarly, heart knowledge emerges from our belief in the information received. Conversely, hand knowledge pertains to practical application, representing a level of human knowledge rather than a distinct type.

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Discovery Knowledge

Discovery often tops the list of knowledge types because many people conclude their research at this point. It’s commonly believed to be the sole form of knowledge accessible to us, but is that accurate? I contend that knowledge transcends mere discovery since what is discovered has always existed, even before we became aware of its existence.

Consider Lake Victoria: did the Europeans truly discover and name it? To them, this was indeed the case. However, for the Africans who had lived around the lake for centuries, its existence and their name for it, which held significance in their language, was a given. Therefore, the local Africans were already aware of the lake; they didn’t need someone else to inform them of its presence or to name it. This suggests that discovery isn’t the only form of knowledge. We are currently examining just one type of knowledge.

Discovery knowledge is instrumental in our natural scientific research, including its methods and methodologies. It enables us to experiment with various subjects that we investigate, detect, measure, and study. Yet, as we will soon explore, research is non-existent without prior thought about the subject. For instance, if humans hadn’t considered that disease causes might extend beyond ‘bad air,’ would they have researched Malaria parasites? Without this initial thought, no research would ensue. Hence, before the actual cause of illness was discovered, there was contemplation, which falls under revelation knowledge, not discovery knowledge.

This revelation knowledge suggests that something or some force inspired that individual to think beyond our human constraints. Similarly, Thomas A. Edison had no precedent for what a light bulb would look like, having never seen one. Nevertheless, his mind, possibly with assistance from an unseen intelligent force, was able to conceptualize it into existence.

Revelation Knowledge

As previously mentioned, the knowledge of revelation remains elusive to many. Yet, it is the driving force behind our human imagination and creativity across generations. Regardless of our belief in a spiritual and supernatural realm, the undeniable truth is that our capacity for imagination is profound.

Imagination is as real as the spiritual and supernatural realms. Our minds, though invisible, undoubtedly exist. The mind is intangible, thus a supernatural or spiritual entity. It cannot be seen, touched, measured, or fully explained in its operation, can it?

Indeed, the brain, which collaborates closely with the mind, is one of the most complex organs known to humanity. Yet, the brain serves merely as the physical conduit, the intricate wiring that supports the functioning of the spiritual entity within this tangible world. This concept transcends religious belief and pertains to the reality we all share. It also implies that we have the choice to harness our minds deliberately. This does not necessitate a religious inclination, does it?

Furthermore, revelation often manifests as an intuitive “hunch,” as described by those who have experienced the supernatural. Notably, every person, whether religious or secular, encounters some form of revelation during their life. This underscores that religious belief is not a prerequisite for gaining revelatory knowledge.

Head Knowledge

Head knowledge, as previously mentioned, refers to information that remains theoretical. It’s an awareness of concepts we understand in theory but not in practice. This type of knowledge is distinct from practical or experiential knowledge, as it’s possible to be aware of concepts we don’t accept as reality.

Take angels and demons, for instance. Can one describe their appearance without referencing literature or media? Lacking personal encounters means lacking experiential knowledge of these beings, right? The same applies to concepts of heaven and hell.

In writing, my aim is to inform (head knowledge), guide (heart knowledge), and ultimately, educate (hands knowledge), because I hold information to be of paramount importance. We seek knowledge about heaven and hell, despite not knowing their exact locations or how to reach them.

Indeed, every human religion offers a path to heaven, reflecting our innate desire for a better existence. Religion has been and likely will remain a source of solace in our uncertain, troubled world. Yet, this comfort initially stems from head knowledge, which can transform into heart knowledge once it is embraced.

Heart Knowledge

Heart knowledge is considered a level of knowledge, rather than a type. It encompasses the deeply held beliefs that shape our lives, regardless of their veracity. As an African Christian, I hold a belief in the afterlife, a notion shared by my ancestors long before the advent of Christianity and Islam in Africa.

Africans have long believed that death is not the end; there are songs that depict the soul leaving the earthly body for a superior realm. The belief is that people transition from this world to another, and the location of this other world remains a mystery, as no one has returned to provide testimony.

Believing that a device possesses both hardware and software is akin to heart knowledge. Our convictions, perceived as truth, belong to this knowledge level, akin to revelation knowledge, which lacks physical representation.

My personal beliefs extend beyond those commonly held by my family, clan, tribe, society, country, and continent. Africans, Americans, and Asians each harbor unique and peculiar beliefs about all facets of life, encompassing both good and evil. Our origins do not diminish the diversity of beliefs held by those around us.

Hand Knowledge

Practical knowledge refers to information that is not just theoretical but also actionable in the physical world. It’s the kind of knowledge that, if you know how to write, you actually write; it’s applied, not just contemplated. For instance, knowing how to fly an aircraft involves practical training with tools and guidance from an instructor. Similarly, driving a car is a skill that, once learned, becomes a part of your practical abilities.

Building a hut or canoeing are also forms of experiential knowledge, often involving hands-on experience. However, not all skills require the use of hands; consider playing football, which primarily uses the legs. Practical knowledge encompasses any skill that can be performed, regardless of the body part used.

Smiling or laughing out loud are other examples of practical abilities, although they might not be appropriate in every situation, like when someone is very hungry. These actions are part of the broader spectrum of practical knowledge, which often involves our hands but can also include other parts of the body, like our mouths for speaking or eating.

The Importance of Human Knowledge

Our human knowledge, regardless of its type or level, is vitally important simply because we are human. Animals possess their own form of knowledge, as we have ours, which may include revelatory or discovered knowledge, or a combination of both. Every creature has its unique nature and, accordingly, its unique type of knowledge based on its acquisition method.

I hold the belief that flies possess knowledge that I do not, and that I would be unable to comprehend even if I were to live for over a thousand years. I might be correct in this belief, as I am convinced, even though I lack what is typically referred to as evidence or data to support my position. I also believe that plants communicate with one another. Whether this is through an audible voice, I cannot say. However, communication does not necessarily require sound; it can occur in many different forms.

As an intuitive empath, I understand animals and insects more profoundly than most people around me, who may dismiss my claims as mere illusions or madness. I am confident in my experiences, which are not shared by the majority. However, I am not alone; others can attest to these phenomena. An online search can provide more insight into these claims before drawing any conclusions.

Observing my interactions with animals and insects could lead to significant findings. Human knowledge, encompassing scientific and practical understanding, is crucial, yet our experiences vary. Science, a tool that has revealed much about the world and ourselves, has allowed us to explore our bodies for greater purposes.

Scientific advancements have enabled humans to dominate the skies, seas, and land. We soar beyond any other terrestrial beings, have developed communicative devices, and invented tools that facilitate travel far more efficiently than a century ago. The processes of writing and publishing books have also become significantly easier in less than fifty years.

Your Personal Development

Personal development is crucial, as it involves understanding who you are. Recognizing your identity is the first step towards finding your life’s purpose. You are already someone significant; aspiring to be someone else is merely wishful thinking. It’s not beneficial to strive to be someone else when you already have an identity.

Once you’ve discovered who you are, you can begin to enhance your true personality. Personal development represents one aspect of a coin, with professional development on the flip side, reflecting how people often define you by your profession.

In South Sudan, as of this writing, it’s possible to live comfortably without employment, but this situation is changing rapidly. Education doesn’t diminish love and care among people; rather, it heightens our awareness of what we can achieve independently.

Personal development encompasses both self-discovery and self-improvement. Self-discovery occurs once, but self-improvement is an ongoing process of positive evolution and growth. Can you see how they differ now?

Your Professional Development

Professional development is the complementary aspect of the concept mentioned earlier. It encompasses career discovery and enhancement. Similar to self-discovery and self-improvement, these components are crucial for one’s professional journey. It involves identifying your strengths in alignment with your genuine personality type, distinguishing a career from a mere job. As an intuitive, empathetic introvert, I struggle in crowds, particularly during emotionally charged events like funerals, as I tend to absorb every facial expression, which quickly becomes overwhelming.

My personality type leads me to prefer working alone in quiet places, where I seldom feel bored, especially when engaged with my writing tools. Boredom is foreign to me in solitude unless hunger strikes. Illness is the only other instance when boredom creeps in. Similarly, you can discover activities that align with your personality type, easing the path to self and career development. Understanding these aspects of knowledge is pivotal for discovery and gradual improvement in both personal and professional realms. This is the rationale behind emphasizing personal and professional development in this article segment. Indeed, everyone has a purpose in life. I am convinced that I am fulfilling mine at this moment.

If you haven’t already, take this opportunity to acquire these resources. The links provided will guide you to the books: Your Self-Discovery Guide, Your Self-Improvement Guide, Your Career-Discovery Guide, and Your Career-Improvement Guide.

Summary

Indeed, knowledge is power, right? Napoleon Hill suggested that knowledge is merely potential power. I believe he was alluding to impractical knowledge, perhaps the kind of theoretical knowledge discussed in this article. However, knowledge that resonates with the heart often translates into practical application, which is actual power, not merely potential, because it is already in action.

Yes, there are different types of knowledge! Having read this article, you might have drawn some conclusions. What are they? Have you learned something new? If so, what is it? What did you already know before reading the article? Thank you for reading! Your feedback is important, and I encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Your insights will surely be valuable to other readers as well. Enjoy your journey of learning.

Knowledge Types: What They Are and Their Importance