3. “Knowledge is nothing more than the systematic organization of facts.” Discuss
this statement in relation to two areas of knowledge
a) What would you need to define? How can you word the question for
yourself?
We need to define Knowledge, facts, and systematic organization
Reword: Using two areas of knowledge, discuss to what extent knowledge is
nothing more than the systematic organization of facts.
b) Describe in three or four sentences exactly what you need to do to answer
this question.
We need to find out how areas of knowledge organize their facts, and thus
obtain their knowledge. Pick two contrasting areas of knowledge, e.g. sciences
and arts, and discuss the systems of organizations in each. We need to find out
what can be considered a fact in such areas of knowledge. Compare and contrast
the two systems of knowledge in each. Discuss how the systems contribute to the
knowledge in that area, i.e. to what extent is the knowledge there because of the
system? To what extent is the knowledge reliant on facts?
c) What are the potential pitfalls of this question?
Many individuals have different perspectives on how they organize facts, and
what can be considered a fact.
Discussion purely of what knowledge is in the two different without relating it to
any systematic organizations in those areas.
d) What AoK/WoK, if not designated, might you see? How do they relate to the
prompt?
Math, its easy to organize knowledge of equations based on a systematic
combination of facts. (deriving equations)
History, cultures has their own organization of their history facts, etc
Science: knowledge is based on data obtained from speculations. Organized to be
built upon, but can, and has, experience upheaval as well.
Logic: closely linked with organization (i.e. “organization,” by definition, has to
come from some sort of logic. The extent to which this is reasonable is another
question). Also used to help determine “facts.”
Sense perception, emotion: obtaining and interpreting knowledge.
Language: communication -> how is the language organized?
e) What key examples come to mind?
Deriving particular equations and mathematical properties
Organized historical facts, like take Stalin and his crusade of wiping out people
from pictures: What can be considered a fact at this point?
Organization of evolutionary chain, division of the sciences into different
categories
Arts: classification of art styles, colors, symbols
f) List some different stances (in terms of an argument) that might fit this
question and explain fully these stances? (For example, I agree with the prompt
to some extent because… or I agree sometimes or I don't agree unless…)
I agree with the quotation in the prompt to the extent that organization of facts
can be considered knowledge, but there is a point where people have different
ways to organize their facts, different considerations of what is a fact, etc.
I agree with the quotation in the prompt. To know something with certainty one
must be sure that it is a fact, and all facts must extend from an underlying
statement that cannot be proved or disproved and be organized into a logical
system for accurate interpretation.
I disagree with the quotation in the prompt. Knowledge itself does not come
from the systematic organization of facts-it is an inherent essence that can be
organized for ‘practical’ use.