The philosophical study of knowledge is termed Epistemology(1), but this area of study does not concern itself with the physical location of knowledge. As set out in early form by such philosophers as Plato and Aristotle, the view of most philosophers is that of Dualism(2), which separates the physical from the faculty of mind or intelligence. From this viewpoint knowledge cannot be said to reside anywhere but in an incorporeal soul ( incorporeal meaning lacking material form or substance).
The Neuroscience View
Our brains can be considered flesh-based computers. Instead of logic gates we have neurons and synapses transferring electrical charges. Using functional neuroimaging(3) it is possible to see which areas of the brain are in use for particular thoughts or emotions. Damage to the brain (accidental or through surgery) can alter the thought patterns and personality of a person, lending credence to the assertion that knowledge is a manifestation of a physical system.
The Cultural View
British anthropologist Edward Burnett Tylor defined culture as "Culture or civilization, taken in its wide ethnographic sense, is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society."(4) Some amount of knowledge can be thought of as the product of a culture, including a business culture. In this sense knowledge is not restricted to the individual but is rather the collective wisdom of the crowd. Building on the previous concept of implicit knowledge, this appears to be an area where such condition occurs to develop that type of knowledge. Collective knowledge found from cultures can often include good manners and education, for example.
The Physical View
Knowledge is often referred to be residing in books, or by extension, any form of recording apparatus from computer hard drives to the written word. It is hard to deny this viewpoint as we have all learned from reading textbooks or reference books, watching educational video programs, or listening to recorded lectures or podcasts. Perhaps a clearer way of expressing the concept is that potential knowledge can be found in external sources.
Where does knowledge reside?
The Philosophical View
The philosophical study of knowledge is termed Epistemology(1), but this area of study does not concern itself with the physical location of knowledge. As set out in early form by such philosophers as Plato and Aristotle, the view of most philosophers is that of Dualism(2), which separates the physical from the faculty of mind or intelligence. From this viewpoint knowledge cannot be said to reside anywhere but in an incorporeal soul ( incorporeal meaning lacking material form or substance).
The Neuroscience View
Our brains can be considered flesh-based computers. Instead of logic gates we have neurons and synapses transferring electrical charges. Using functional neuroimaging(3) it is possible to see which areas of the brain are in use for particular thoughts or emotions. Damage to the brain (accidental or through surgery) can alter the thought patterns and personality of a person, lending credence to the assertion that knowledge is a manifestation of a physical system.
The Cultural View
British anthropologist Edward Burnett Tylor defined culture as "Culture or civilization, taken in its wide ethnographic sense, is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society."(4) Some amount of knowledge can be thought of as the product of a culture, including a business culture. In this sense knowledge is not restricted to the individual but is rather the collective wisdom of the crowd. Building on the previous concept of implicit knowledge, this appears to be an area where such condition occurs to develop that type of knowledge. Collective knowledge found from cultures can often include good manners and education, for example.
The Physical View
Knowledge is often referred to be residing in books, or by extension, any form of recording apparatus from computer hard drives to the written word. It is hard to deny this viewpoint as we have all learned from reading textbooks or reference books, watching educational video programs, or listening to recorded lectures or podcasts. Perhaps a clearer way of expressing the concept is that potential knowledge can be found in external sources.
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References
1) Wikipedia. (2011, July 6). Epistemology. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistemology
2) Wikipedia. (2011, July 5). Dualism. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dualism_%28philosophy_of_mind%29
3) Functional neuroimaging. (2011, April 16). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_neuroimaging
4) Tylor, E.B. 1874. Primitive culture: researches into the development of mythology, philosophy, religion, art, and custom.