What Are the Two Types of Knowledge?

TL;DR

Knowledge is classified into two types: knowledge that, which refers to knowing facts or truths, and knowledge how, which involves practical skills. The Gettier problem challenges the idea that justified true belief is sufficient for knowledge, while octopus intelligence illustrates knowledge how through problem-solving and tool usage.

Transcript

Socrates once said I know that I know nothing which is evidence for my theory that he enjoyed taking the piss god forbid Adam and Eve from eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge and they told him to get stuff but what exactly did they gain by that what is knowledge in philosophy we talked about two different kinds of knowledge the first is knowl... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎭 Knowledge is commonly divided into two types: knowledge that (knowing that something is true) and knowledge how (knowing how to perform a task or action).
• 🤨 The Gettier problem raises doubts about the sufficiency of justified true belief as a definition for knowledge.
• 🦾 Octopuses showcase intelligence and knowledge how through their problem-solving abilities, tool usage, and independent arm functions.
• 🤨 Animal intelligence challenges our understanding of knowledge and raises questions about the limits of what can be considered knowledge.
• 👻 Understanding the different types of knowledge allows for a deeper exploration of philosophical concepts.
• 📫 The story of Adam and Eve's forbidden fruit raises questions about the nature of knowledge and what was gained or lost through their actions.
• ❓ The distinction between knowledge that and knowledge how has implications for understanding both human and animal intelligence.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the difference between knowledge that and knowledge how?

Knowledge that refers to knowing that something is true, while knowledge how is the ability to successfully perform a task or action. Knowledge that is more concerned with beliefs, while knowledge how focuses on skills and abilities.

Q: What is the Gettier problem?

The Gettier problem challenges the idea that justified true belief is sufficient for knowledge. It presents scenarios where someone has a justified true belief that still seems too lucky or accidental to count as genuine knowledge.

Q: Can animals, like octopuses, have knowledge how?

Yes, animals can possess knowledge how. Octopuses, for example, display intelligence by opening clams and mussels, using tools, solving puzzles, and even escaping from aquariums. Their ability to successfully perform these actions demonstrates knowledge how.

Q: How does octopus intelligence complicate measuring their knowledge?

Measuring octopus intelligence is challenging because we cannot directly ask them about their understanding. While they exhibit knowledge how in their behavior, it is difficult to determine whether they comprehend actions in the same way humans do.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video discusses the two types of knowledge: knowledge that (knowing that something is true) and knowledge how (knowing how to do something successfully).

• The Gettier problem is introduced, which raises questions about whether justified true belief is sufficient for knowledge.

• Octopus intelligence is highlighted as an example of knowledge how, showcasing their ability to solve problems, use tools, and demonstrate independent arm functions.