Single Idea 22869

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 1. Knowledge]

Full Idea

Knowledge, as an abstract term, is a name for the product of competent enquiries. Apart from this relation, its meaning is so empty that any content or filling may be arbitrarily poured into it.

Gist of Idea

Knowledge is either the product of competent enquiry, or it is meaningless

Source

John Dewey (The Later Works (17 vols, ed Boydston) [1930], 12:16), quoted by David Hildebrand - Dewey 2 'Knowledge'

Book Reference

Hildebrand,David: 'Dewey' [One World 2008], p.59


A Reaction

What is the criterion of 'competent'? Danger of tautology, if competent enquiry is what produces knowledge.

Related Idea

Idea 22868 The value and truth of knowledge are measured by success in activity [Dewey]