Declarative knowledge

Declarative Knowledge

A Latin dictionary, a source of declarative knowledge

Declarative knowledge, also known as descriptive knowledge, is a type of knowledge that is expressed in declarative sentences or indicative propositions. It is the knowledge of facts and information that can be explicitly stated or described. This form of knowledge is contrasted with procedural knowledge, which involves knowing how to perform certain tasks.

Characteristics

Declarative knowledge is often considered to be "knowing that" something is the case. For example, knowing that "Paris is the capital of France" or "water boils at 100 degrees Celsius" are instances of declarative knowledge. This type of knowledge is typically stored in the form of propositions and can be easily communicated through language.

Justified True Belief

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Diagram illustrating the concept of justified true belief

The traditional account of declarative knowledge is often associated with the concept of justified true belief. According to this view, for someone to know a proposition, three conditions must be met: the proposition must be true, the person must believe the proposition, and the person must have justification for the belief. This tripartite theory of knowledge has been a central topic in epistemology.

The Gettier Problem

Edmund Gettier, who challenged the traditional account of knowledge

In 1963, philosopher Edmund Gettier published a paper that challenged the traditional account of knowledge as justified true belief. Gettier presented cases where individuals had beliefs that were justified and true, yet intuitively did not constitute knowledge. These "Gettier cases" have led to significant debate and further exploration into the nature of knowledge.

Theories of Knowledge

Diagram of foundationalism, coherentism, and infinitism

Several theories have been proposed to address the issues raised by Gettier cases and to better understand the nature of declarative knowledge. These include:

• Foundationalism: The view that knowledge is built upon basic, self-evident truths or "foundations."
• Coherentism: The belief that knowledge is a matter of coherence among a set of beliefs.
• Infinitism: The idea that knowledge is supported by an infinite chain of reasons.

Examples of Declarative Knowledge

Declarative knowledge encompasses a wide range of information, from simple facts to complex theories. Some examples include:

• Knowing that "the Earth orbits the Sun."
• Understanding that "E=mc²" is a fundamental equation in physics.
• Recognizing that "Shakespeare wrote Hamlet."

Declarative vs. Procedural Knowledge

A man playing the guitar, demonstrating procedural knowledge

While declarative knowledge involves "knowing that," procedural knowledge involves "knowing how." For instance, knowing how to play the guitar or how to solve a mathematical equation are examples of procedural knowledge. These two types of knowledge are often interconnected, as understanding the theory behind a skill can enhance one's ability to perform it.

Learning and Teaching Declarative Knowledge

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A classroom setting where declarative knowledge is taught

Declarative knowledge is typically acquired through education and experience. It is often taught in formal settings such as schools and universities, where students learn facts and theories across various subjects. Effective teaching of declarative knowledge involves clear communication, repetition, and the use of examples to illustrate complex concepts.

Related Pages

• Epistemology
• Procedural knowledge
• Gettier problem
• Knowledge representation