PROPOSITIONAL KNOWLEDGE Meaning and
Definition
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Propositional knowledge, also known as declarative knowledge or factual knowledge, refers to knowledge that is expressed in the form of propositions or statements about the world. It is a type of knowledge that involves understanding or believing that a certain proposition or statement is true. A proposition is a statement or claim that can be either true or false, such as "The Earth revolves around the Sun" or "Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius."
In order to have propositional knowledge, one must not only possess the information or belief but also have justification or evidence to support the truth of the proposition. This means that propositional knowledge requires both true belief and the basis or reasons that make it reasonable or justified to hold that belief.
Examples of propositional knowledge could include knowing that Paris is the capital of France, understanding that 2 + 2 equals 4, or being aware of historical events like the fall of the Roman Empire. The focus is on the content of the information and the truth value of the proposition, rather than the practical or procedural knowledge required to perform a task or activity.
Propositional knowledge is a fundamental component of human cognition, enabling individuals to understand and navigate the world. It plays a key role in various domains, including education, research, decision-making, and problem-solving, as individuals rely on the accurate and justified information to make informed judgments and beliefs.
Etymology of PROPOSITIONAL KNOWLEDGE
The term "propositional knowledge" can be broken down into two parts: "propositional" and "knowledge".
The word "propositional" comes from the French word "proposition", which in turn stems from the Latin word "propositio". "Proposition" refers to a statement or a declarative sentence that conveys a meaning or a claim.
The word "knowledge" has roots in the Old English word "cnawan" which means "to perceive or recognize". It has Indo-European roots, deriving from the Proto-Germanic word "knew", which is also related to the Greek word "gnosis" meaning "knowledge".
Therefore, the term "propositional knowledge" refers to knowledge that involves propositions or statements that convey meaning or represent facts.
