The document explores different types of knowledge, including objective, subjective, contextual, diverse, and dialogical knowledge. Objective knowledge is universally valid and fact-based, while subjective knowledge is influenced by personal experiences. Contextual knowledge is dependent on specific circumstances, diverse knowledge encompasses multiple perspectives, and dialogical knowledge emphasizes co-creation through dialogue.

1. Objective Knowledge, Subjective Knowledge,
Contextual Knowledge, Diverse Knowledge, Dialogical Knowledge
Dr.M.Deivam
Assistant Professor
Department of Education
H.N.B Garhwal University
(A Central University)
S.R.T Campus, Tehri Garhwal
Uttarakhand – 249 199

2. Objective Knowledge
• Universally True: Objective knowledge is universally valid and not influenced
by personal biases or opinions.
• Fact-Based: It is grounded in facts, logical reasoning, and empirical evidence.
• Reliable and Verifiable: Objective knowledge can be tested and confirmed by
different people under similar conditions.
• Independent of Opinion: It stands apart from individual experiences or
subjective interpretations (boiling point of water 100°C).
• Repeatable and Consistent: Objective knowledge can be validated through
repeatable observations or logical deductions.

3. Key Features of Objective Knowledge
• Based on Reality: Objective knowledge comes from observable or
measurable facts and not from personal beliefs or opinions.
• Independent of Perspective: It remains true no matter who
observes it, unlike subjective knowledge, which is influenced by
personal feelings or attitudes. For example, "1 + 1 = 2" is always
true.
• Verifiable and Testable: Objective knowledge can be checked or
confirmed by others. Results stay consistent when tested multiple
times, as seen in scientific experiments.

4. Contd.,
• Universally Agreed Upon: Most people can agree on objective
knowledge when given the same evidence. For example, water boils
at 100°C at sea level for everyone.
• Free from Bias or Emotions: Objective knowledge isn't affected by
personal preferences or emotions. It stays true, even if people feel
differently about it.

5. Relation to Scientific Knowledge
• Follows the Scientific Method: Scientific knowledge is objective because it is based on a
structured process that minimizes bias.
• Hypothesis and Prediction: Scientists form hypotheses and make predictions that can be
tested through experiments.
• Repeatability and Testability: Scientific results can be repeated and tested by others,
ensuring their consistency and objectivity.
• Independent Verification: Scientific conclusions can be independently verified by other
researchers, strengthening their validity.
• Example - Theory of Gravity: The theory of gravity is an example of objective knowledge.
No matter who tests it, experiments consistently show that objects fall due to Earth's
gravitational pull.

6. Subjective Knowledge
•Subjective Knowledge refers to information or
understanding that is influenced by personal experiences,
feelings, perceptions, or viewpoints.
•It is based on individual experiences rather than universally
verifiable facts.
•Subjective knowledge is often unique to a person and may
differ from one individual to another.

7. Features of Subjective Knowledge
• Influenced by Personal Experience: Subjective knowledge is shaped by an
individual’s emotions, sensations, and perceptions.
• Private to the Individual: It cannot be universally shared or independently
verified by others in the same way that objective knowledge can.
• Not Replicable: The same experience may produce different interpretations or
feelings for different individuals.
• Firm and Unambiguous for the Individual: Subjective experiences, like feeling
warm or seeing a particular color, are clear to the person experiencing them,
even if they can't be objectively verified.

8. Relation to Subjective Knowledge
• Contrast with Objective Reality: While objective knowledge exists
independently of the observer, subjective knowledge is tied to personal
perception. For example, one might feel a room is hot, but a thermometer
shows no temperature change.
• Grounded in Personal Experience: Subjective knowledge is often viewed as
raw data that needs explanation, as personal experiences provide the
foundation for interpreting the world.
• Non-comparable Experiences: Different people's subjective experiences
may not be directly comparable (e.g., what one person sees as "red" may
not match another person's perception).

9. Contd.,
• Science Distinction: In science, subjective knowledge is considered
private to the individual, whereas objective knowledge is publicly
observable and can be replicated by others.
• Ambiguity of Objective vs Subjective: On closer inspection,
subjective experience can feel more concrete to the individual, while
objective facts may become more complex due to varying contexts.

10. Contextual Knowledge
Contextual Knowledge refers to understanding that is deeply
influenced by the specific circumstances, environment, or context
in which it is applied.
 It acknowledges that knowledge is not static but depends on the
situation, culture, time, or setting in which it is relevant.
It is knowledge that is meaningful or accurate only when
considered within a particular framework or environment.

11. Features of Contextual Knowledge
Dependent on Context: The meaning and applicability of contextual
knowledge vary based on the specific situation, culture, or
background. What is true or relevant in one context may not apply in
another.
Dynamic and Flexible: Contextual knowledge adapts to changes in
circumstances. It is not rigid and requires understanding the nuances
of the environment.
Holistic Understanding: It requires a broad understanding of various
factors (social, cultural, temporal) that influence knowledge in that
particular context.

12. Contd.,
 Practical and Applied: Often linked to practical experience and
situational awareness. Contextual knowledge is usually gained by
engaging with real-world environments rather than just theoretical
learning.
 Local or Specific: It is often more specific or localized, unlike
universal knowledge that applies everywhere. It may be particular to
a profession, region, or social setting.

13. Relation to Contextual Knowledge:
 Influence of Context: Contextual knowledge recognizes that knowledge
cannot always be separated from its setting. For example, a cultural
practice may only make sense within the historical or social context of that
culture.
 Decision Making and Problem Solving: In many fields (e.g., business,
medicine, education), decisions are context-dependent, requiring an
understanding of the particular situation before making informed choices.
 Adaptation to Change: Contextual knowledge helps individuals or systems
adapt to new situations because it involves learning that is responsive to
changing conditions.

14. Contd.,
 Interdisciplinary Approach: Often involves integrating different types of
knowledge (technical, social, cultural) to respond appropriately to specific
circumstances.
 Linked to Subjective and Objective Knowledge: Contextual knowledge often
blends subjective experiences with objective facts, considering both individual
perceptions and factual data within the context. For example, in healthcare,
understanding a patient's background (cultural, social, etc.) helps apply
medical knowledge effectively.

15. Diverse Knowledge:
Diverse Knowledge refers to the understanding and awareness that
comes from multiple perspectives, disciplines, cultures, or sources.
It is the recognition that knowledge is not limited to one domain or
viewpoint but is enriched by the inclusion of a wide variety of
experiences, ideas, and expertise.
This type of knowledge encourages interdisciplinary thinking,
cultural sensitivity, and the ability to understand and solve complex
problems from multiple angles.

16. Features of Diverse Knowledge:
 Multidisciplinary Approach: Diverse knowledge involves drawing from
different fields or areas of expertise to gain a broader understanding of a
subject. For example, solving a public health issue may require input from
medicine, sociology, economics, and environmental science.
 Inclusive of Various Perspectives: It recognizes the value of different
cultural, social, and experiential viewpoints. This feature enhances creativity,
innovation, and problem-solving by integrating diverse ways of thinking.
 Adaptability: Diverse knowledge is flexible and adaptive, allowing individuals
to approach problems in new and innovative ways by incorporating varied
insights.

17. Contd.,
 Comprehensive Understanding: Because it draws from a range of sources,
diverse knowledge provides a more holistic understanding of complex issues.
It reduces the risk of oversimplification by acknowledging the complexity of
real-world situations.
 Encourages Collaboration: Diverse knowledge promotes teamwork and
cooperation between individuals or groups with different backgrounds,
expertise, or worldviews.

18. Relation to Diverse Knowledge
• Interdisciplinary Problem Solving: Diverse knowledge brings
together different disciplines to solve complex global issues, like
climate change or social inequality, with well-rounded solutions.
• Innovation and Creativity: Exposure to diverse perspectives fosters
innovation, helping individuals and teams come up with creative
solutions by thinking beyond their own experiences.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness: Diverse knowledge promotes
understanding of different worldviews, values, and practices,
encouraging inclusivity and reducing cultural biases.

19. Contd.,
• Learning from Multiple Sources: Diverse knowledge allows
individuals to learn from a wide range of teachers, cultures, and
experiences, enriching their education and understanding.
• Reducing Bias: By considering multiple viewpoints, diverse
knowledge helps minimize biases and broadens perspectives,
allowing for more informed and balanced decision-making.

20. Meaning of Dialogical Knowledge
Definition: Dialogical knowledge refers to the understanding and
insights gained through dialogue—interaction and
communication between individuals.
It emphasizes the co-creation of knowledge rather than a mere
transmission of information.
Philosophical Roots: Influenced by thinkers like Mikhail Bakhtin
and Paulo Freire, who emphasized the importance of dialogue in
learning and understanding.

21. Features of Dialogical Knowledge
• Co-creation: Knowledge is not owned by one individual; it emerges through
shared conversation and interaction.
• Contextual: It is shaped by the cultural, social, and historical contexts of the
participants involved in the dialogue.
• Dynamic: Knowledge is continually evolving as dialogues progress, allowing for
new insights and understandings.
• Mutual Respect: Dialogical knowledge thrives on respect for different
perspectives, valuing each participant’s contributions.
• Transformative: Engaging in dialogue can challenge assumptions, leading to
personal and collective transformation.

22. Relation to Dialogical Knowledge
 Learning Process: Dialogical knowledge fosters deeper learning
experiences as it encourages critical thinking and reflection.
 Collaboration: It emphasizes teamwork and collaborative problem-
solving, making it essential in educational and professional settings.
 Empowerment: By valuing all voices, dialogical knowledge promotes
empowerment and inclusivity, enhancing democratic practices.
 Conflict Resolution: It can play a crucial role in resolving conflicts, as
open dialogue can lead to mutual understanding and compromise.

23. Thank You