Explicit knowledge can be easily documented and shared, while tacit knowledge is rooted in personal experience and intuition. Recognizing that explicit knowledge always has a tacit component helps us appreciate the deeper, often unspoken context needed for true comprehension and application.
The relationship between explicit knowledge and tacit knowledge is a fundamental concept in epistemology and the philosophy of knowledge.
Explicit knowledge can be easily articulated, codified as information, and transmitted through formal means, such as written documents, manuals, or digital formats.
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Conversely, tacit knowledge is difficult to express or communicate through formal channels and is often deeply rooted in personal experience, intuition, and practical know-how.
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Explicit knowledge always has a tacit component, which is rooted in the nature of human cognition and the acquisition of knowledge itself. Even the most explicit forms of knowledge, such as scientific theories or mathematical formulas, are grounded in a set of underlying assumptions, contextual understanding, and interpretative frameworks that are often tacit in nature.
Here are a few reasons why explicit knowledge always has a tacit component:
1. Contextual understanding: Explicit knowledge is often presented concisely and formally, but its interpretation and application require a deeper understanding of the context in which it was developed. This contextual understanding, which involves tacit knowledge about the field, the cultural and historical background, and the underlying assumptions, is essential for fully comprehending and utilizing explicit knowledge.
2. Personal experience and intuition: Even when dealing with explicit knowledge, we bring our personal experiences, intuitions, and practical know-how to the table. This tacit knowledge shapes how we interpret, apply, and make sense of explicit information. For example, a skilled carpenter may follow explicit instructions in a woodworking manual, but their tacit knowledge gained through years of experience allows them to adapt and optimize the processes based on their understanding of materials, tools, and techniques.
3. Interpretation and application: Explicit knowledge is often insufficient for practical application. Interpreting and applying explicit knowledge in specific situations requires tacit knowledge about problem-solving, decision-making, and adapting to changing circumstances. This tacit knowledge is often acquired through experience, mentorship, and learning by doing.
Cognitive limitations: We have limitations in articulating and formalizing all aspects of our knowledge. Some forms of knowledge, such as intuitive insights or embodied skills, are challenging to express explicitly and remain largely tacit. This tacit component serves as a foundation for acquiring and utilizing explicit knowledge.
In essence, explicit knowledge is like the tip of an iceberg, representing the formalized and articulated aspects of knowledge. In contrast, tacit knowledge is the vast, submerged portion that supports, contextualizes, and enables the effective utilization of explicit knowledge. The two forms of knowledge are intrinsically intertwined, and the tacit component plays a crucial role in acquiring, interpreting, and applying explicit knowledge across various domains.
Explicit knowledge is intertwined with tacit knowledge, relying on context, personal experience, and interpretation for complete comprehension. Recognizing the tacit components in explicit knowledge is essential for effectively understanding and applying information in various fields. This relationship underscores the complexity of human cognition and knowledge acquisition.
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