Knowledge is a fundamental aspect of human understanding, evolving through different dimensions and perspectives. The nature of knowledge varies depending on its scope, application, and contextual relevance. In this lecture, we explore four key distinctions in knowledge: Particular vs. Universal, Concrete vs. Abstract, Practical vs. Theoretical, and Textual vs. Contextual. Each of these dichotomies helps us comprehend how knowledge is categorized, interpreted, and applied across different fields of study.

1. Different Facets of Knowledge
Dr. Nrapendra Vir Singh
Assistant Professor
Department of Teacher Education
Central University of South Bihar, Gaya
Email: aashubhu@gmail.com
nrapendra@cusb.ac.in

2. Different Facets of Knowledge
• Knowledge is a fundamental aspect of human understanding,
evolving through different dimensions and perspectives. The
nature of knowledge varies depending on its scope,
application, and contextual relevance. In this lecture, we
explore four key distinctions in knowledge: Particular vs.
Universal, Concrete vs. Abstract, Practical vs. Theoretical,
and Textual vs. Contextual. Each of these dichotomies helps
us comprehend how knowledge is categorized, interpreted,
and applied across different fields of study.

3. Particular/Local vs. Universal Knowledge
• Particular (Local) Knowledge refers to knowledge that is specific to a particular culture,
region, or group. It is often based on lived experiences, traditions, and localized
expertise. Examples include indigenous knowledge, folk medicine, and regional
practices.
• Local knowledge is not experienced by everyone or available for everyone existing or
true at all times or in all places without limit or exception. Local knowledge is a
collection of facts and relates to the entire system of concepts, beliefs and perceptions
that people hold about the world around them. This includes the way people observe
and measure their surroundings, how they solve problems and validate new
information. It includes the processes whereby knowledge is generated, stored, applied
and transmitted to others
• Local knowledge, also known as indigenous or community-based knowledge, is specific
to a particular region, culture, or group. It is often acquired through lived experiences
and passed down through generations.

4. Contd..
• Local knowledge is the knowledge that people in a given community have
developed over time, and continue to develop. It is:
• based on experience
• often tested over centuries of use
• adapted to the local culture and environment
• embedded in community practices, institutions, relationships and rituals
• Held by individuals or communities
• Dynamic and changing

5. Contd..
• Examples of Local Knowledge:
• Traditional Medicine: Herbal remedies used by indigenous communities for healing.
Example: Ayurveda in India or the use of medicinal plants by Amazonian tribes.
• Agricultural Practices: Region-specific farming techniques developed over time.
Example: Terrace farming in the Himalayas or the three sisters planting method
(corn, beans, and squash) used by Native Americans.
• Fishing and Navigation Techniques: Local methods of catching fish and
understanding the sea.
Example: Polynesian wayfinding using the stars and ocean currents.
• Construction Techniques: Sustainable building practices suited to the local climate.
Example: Mud houses in arid regions to keep interiors cool.

6. Universal Knowledge
• Universal Knowledge is knowledge that holds true across different cultures,
regions, and time periods. It is not limited by local traditions or individual
perspectives but is widely accepted as valid and applicable in various contexts.
This type of knowledge is often based on scientific principles, mathematical
truths, and fundamental laws of nature.
• Universal knowledge is that which is known to be true everywhere in the
Universe and all of the time. Physics and Maths are the two primary fields of
study related to this type of knowledge. It doesn’t matter where you are or what
your situation you can rely on mathematics to remain stable. Equalities will
always be equal. All of the functions of mathematics remain constant all the time
and they can be used for a great many or all kinds, forms, sizes, etc, intended to
be used, or understood by all

7. Examples of Universal Knowledge:
• Scientific Laws:
• Example: Newton’s Laws of Motion apply everywhere, whether on Earth or in space.
• Mathematical Principles:
• Example: The Pythagorean theorem remains true regardless of cultural background.
• Biological Facts:
• Example: The structure of DNA is the same for all humans and organisms.
• Logical Reasoning:
• Example: The principles of deductive logic, such as "if A = B and B = C, then A = C," hold
universally.
• Philosophical Concepts:
• Example: The idea of justice or ethics has universal relevance, though interpretations may
differ.

8. Concrete vs. Abstract Knowledge
• Concrete Knowledge: Knowledge derived from direct experience, observation, and empirical
evidence. It is tangible, measurable, and often related to real-world objects and phenomena.
• Abstract Knowledge: Conceptual and theoretical knowledge that may not have a direct
physical representation. It is often used to explain complex systems and ideas.
• Abstract knowledge is about things that are removed from the facts of the “here and now”,
and from specific examples of the things or concepts being thought about. Concrete
knowledge does not have any depth; it just refers to thinking in the periphery. Hence,
Concrete knowledge is just regarding the facts and only has a generalized concept for all
things. On the other hand, abstract knowledge requires deep learning and goes beyond the
facts.
• For gaining the abstract knowledge, mental processes are involved, whereas no such effort is
involved in concrete knowledge. Therefore, a person with concrete knowledge does not think
beyond the facts and do not have the ability to think beyond a certain limit.

9. • Concrete Knowledge Examples:
• Observing that water boils at 100°C under standard atmospheric pressure.
• Learning how to ride a bicycle through practice.
• Measuring the height of a building using a tape measure.
• Identifying different species of birds based on their physical characteristics.
• Using a hammer and nails to build a wooden structure.
• Abstract Knowledge Examples:
• Understanding the concept of gravity without directly experiencing it.
• Comprehending the theory of relativity and its implications for time and space.
• Discussing ethical principles like justice, fairness, and equality.
• Learning algebraic equations and their applications in problem-solving.
• Grasping the idea of infinity in mathematics.

10. Practical vs. Theoretical Knowledge
• Practical Knowledge: Applied knowledge gained through experience, training, and hands-
on practice. It focuses on skills and problem-solving.
• For attaining practical knowledge, a deeper understanding of a concept is achieved by doing
the act on your own i.e. through personal experience. In other words, you may say that
practical knowledge is gained through doing things; it is very much based on real-life
endeavors and tasks
• Theoretical Knowledge: Knowledge obtained through reasoning, study, and analysis
without direct application. It includes principles, laws, and frameworks used to explain
phenomena.
• Theoretical knowledge allows you to learn through the experience of others and often leads
to a deeper understanding of a context. It helps to understand the concept in its context
and thus teaches you to reason and question why. With the help of this knowledge, it is
possible to understand the intricacies of a theory and how it can then be applied practically.

11. Examples of Theoretical and Practical Knowledge
• Medicine:
• Theoretical Knowledge: Understanding human anatomy, physiology, and disease pathology from medical textbooks.
• Practical Knowledge: Performing surgeries, diagnosing patients, and prescribing treatments in real-life scenarios.
• 2. Engineering:
• Theoretical Knowledge: Learning about structural mechanics and material properties in civil engineering.
• Practical Knowledge: Constructing bridges, buildings, and roads based on engineering principles.
• 3. Education:
• Theoretical Knowledge: Studying learning theories like Bloom’s Taxonomy and Piaget’s cognitive development
stages.
• Practical Knowledge: Teaching students in a classroom, using different pedagogical approaches.
• 4. Business:
• Theoretical Knowledge: Understanding market dynamics, economic theories, and business strategies.
• Practical Knowledge: Running a business, making financial decisions, and implementing marketing strategies.
• 5. Sports:
• Theoretical Knowledge: Learning about biomechanics, nutrition, and sports psychology.
• Practical Knowledge: Training, competing, and applying techniques in real sports activities.

12. Textual vs. Contextual Facets of Knowledge
Textual Knowledge:
• Knowledge that is documented, structured, and systematically
recorded in books, research papers, legal codes, manuals, and
academic texts.
• Textual knowledge refers to knowledge that is specifically stated or
written down in text or language. It can include definitions, facts,
theories, and other information that can be found in textbooks,
articles, and other written materials.
• It is often theoretical and serves as a foundation for learning and
reference.

13. Example of Textual Knowledge
•Legal Studies: Learning constitutional laws from textbooks.
•Medicine: Understanding human anatomy from medical books.
•Business: Studying management theories from academic
journals.
•Engineering: Learning structural mechanics from engineering
manuals.
•History: Reading about historical events from documented
sources.

14. Contextual Knowledge
• Contextual knowledge refers to the knowledge that is derived
from the context or situation in which information is presented.
It involves understanding the meaning and significance of
information based on the broader context in which it is
presented, including the social, cultural, historical, and personal
factors that influence how information is interpreted.
• Knowledge that is influenced by real-life situations, experiences,
cultural settings, and specific environments.
• It is dynamic and adaptable to circumstances, making it more
practical and situational.

15. Examples of Contextual Knowledge
• Legal Studies: Applying legal principles in a real courtroom case.
• Medicine: Treating a patient by considering their lifestyle,
environment, and medical history.
• Business: Adapting marketing strategies based on consumer
behavior in a specific region.
• Engineering: Modifying construction techniques based on local
climate and material availability.
• History: Analyzing historical events from different cultural
perspectives and modern viewpoints.

16. References
• IGNOU Materials
• Online Sources