The 17 types of knowledge (and their characteristics)

Knowledge is a faculty of the human being, and in turn, a set of information and concepts that we are learning over the years. However, there are different types of knowledge, depending on the field to which they refer, their characteristics, form of acquisition, etc.

In this article we will know the 17 most important types of knowledge. We will explain what each of them consists of, their characteristics, functions and how they are acquired.

What is knowledge?

Knowledge it is considered a faculty of the human being, which allows us to investigate and understand reality and the environment through reason. However, knowledge also has another meaning, which refers to ideas or skills that we acquire through learning.

So that, when we learn new things, or when we have access to culture, we are acquiring knowledge. On the other hand, as we have already seen, knowledge itself can be considered a skill or a faculty, which allows us to explore the world, understand it and locate our experiences in it.

We can find different types of knowledge, depending on the parameters we use to classify them.

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The 17 types of knowledge

What we do not all learn in the same way, nor do we think in the same wayThere is also not a single type of knowledge, but many more. Each of them has specific characteristics, is acquired in a specific way and focuses on a specific area, as we will see below. With this in mind, the 17 most important types of knowledge are the following:

1. Scientific knowledge

The first of the types of knowledge that we propose is scientific knowledge, which is that which can be verified through science or the scientific method. Include facts, claims, theories, etc. That is, it groups together information and theories that have been proven through experiments, scientific tests, etc.

2. Theological knowledge

Also called religious or relieved knowledge, has to do with faith and religions. Among those who defend him, he is considered a source of absolute truth. It is also related to the individual beliefs of people, these being of a religious nature.

3. Empirical knowledge

Empirical knowledge is obtained through observing the world and reality that surrounds us, through our interaction with the environment and the beings it contains, including humans. That is, it is produced from interactions. It is also sometimes called "popular knowledge", as empirical knowledge can sometimes be found within popular traditions.

4. Philosophical knowledge

This type of knowledge arises through thinking and reflect on different issues that concern the human being and the concepts that surround you. That is to say, it was born as a result of reflecting on subjective (and immaterial) themes. It aims to answer all those questions that have been raised throughout the history of humanity (especially within the exercise of philosophy).

5. Intuitive insight

Intuitive knowledge arises and is generated through reactions to stimuli, feelings, sensations, needs, thoughts, etc. That is, it is a knowledge far from reason, based on sensations and intuition. It is based, in large part, on discovery, and on observing the reactions that our actions provoke. It also allows to relate these reactions with meanings, previous knowledge, etc.

6. Logical knowledge

The next of the types of knowledge is logical (also called "propositional knowledge"); this born through the understanding of information, ideas and the relationship between them.

Logical knowledge is born from reason and allows us to relate different ideas within a logical framework. It is one of the types of knowledge that best allows us to solve problems in everyday life, through relating previous experiences with current problems, acting using reason, etc.

7. Mathematical knowledge

Another type of knowledge is mathematical; it is an abstract and rational knowledge, related to numerical concepts and away from the more palpable or tangible world. Mathematical knowledge describes the world or events relatively accurately. This type of knowledge is closely linked to another type of logical knowledge that we have already discussed: scientific knowledge.

8. Semantic knowledge

The next of the types of knowledge is semantic. This is born as a result of learning words and meanings (definitions). Semantic knowledge increases as we learn other languages or that we expand our vocabulary; a way to improve it through reading.

An example that illustrates this type of knowledge well is the dictionary, since it contains the meaning of all the words in a language, and that is semantic knowledge.

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9. Explicit knowledge

Another type of knowledge that we can find is explicit knowledge. This kind of knowledge is the one that is directly encoded and stored in some medium (for example in a document, in written form). It is transmitted to others easily and directly. Also, it is easy to remember.

10. Implicit (tacit) knowledge

Implicit or tacit knowledge is a more practical type of knowledge, and compared to the previous one, it is more difficult to encode or store. You learn through experiences.

Some of its characteristics is that it is an intuitive and very experiential knowledge (that is, it is based on the experiences that the person is experiencing). That is why as we go through experiences, our tacit knowledge increases.

11. Systemic knowledge

Systemic knowledge is learned through combine semantic or mathematical elements; that is, it is obtained from the result of grouping elements and forming systems. One of its functions is to give meaning to groups of elements.

12. Sensitive knowledge

This type of knowledge is learned or it is acquired through the senses and sensations. That is, it is born from the perception of different stimuli (which are usually bodily), once we assimilate them.

This type of knowledge is related to body memory, or emotional memory, which is linked to bodily sensations. Sensitive awareness can be fostered through sensory stimulation. An example of sensitive knowledge is the knowledge of colors, smells, flavors, etc.

13. Direct knowledge

Direct knowledge is acquired through directly experience a phenomenon with an object. This experimentation allows obtaining direct information from that source of knowledge, and is not based on interpretations.

14. Indirect knowledge

This type of knowledge, unlike the previous one, is learned indirectly; that is, we obtain information from some source but not from the object of knowledge itself (for example reading a book on a certain topic).

15. Public knowledge

Public knowledge is accessible, and can be reached directly; that is, it is information "open to the public" that we can find in society (in books, films, courses ...).

16. Private knowledge

Instead, private knowledge it is obtained through own and personal experiences. As these are private experiences, not all people can access them, and therefore it is more difficult to access (private) knowledge.

17. Built-in knowledge

Finally, the last of the types of knowledge is incorporated knowledge, which is inherent in different phenomena, objects, structures, products, etc. This, in turn, can be of two types: formal or informal. If it is applied intentionally it is formal, and if it is more spontaneous it is informal.

Bibliographic references:

• Castillero, O. (2018). The 14 types of knowledge: what are they? Psychology and mind.
• Mayor, J. (1984). Psychology of thought and language. UNED. Madrid.
• Sun, Y. (2011). Implicit Learning: Critical Aspects of its Definition and some of its Implications. Psykhe, 7 (2).