Common knowledge
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| + | [[Image:The Bookworm by Carl Spitzweg.jpg|thumb|200px|''[[The Bookworm]]'' (c. 1850) by [[Carl Spitzweg]]]] | ||
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| - | '''Common knowledge''' is what "everybody knows", usually with reference to the [[community]] in which the term is used. | ||
| - | The assertion that something is "common knowledge" is sometimes associated with the fallacy ''[[argumentum ad populum]]'' (Latin: "appeal to the people"). The fallacy essentially warns against assuming that just because everyone believes something is true does not make it so. [[Misinformation]] is easily introduced into [[rumor]]s by intermediate messengers. | + | '''Common knowledge''' is [[knowledge]] that is known by [[everyone]] or nearly everyone, usually with reference to the [[community]] in which the term is used. Common knowledge need not concern one specific subject, e.g., [[science]] or [[history]]. Rather, common knowledge can be about a broad range of subjects, including science, literature, history, entertainment etc. Often, common knowledge does not need to be [[citation|cited]]. Common knowledge is distinct from [[general knowledge]]. The latter has been defined by differential psychologists as referring to 'culturally valued knowledge communicated by a range of non-specialist media', and is considered an aspect of ability related to intelligence. Therefore there are substantial individual differences in general knowledge as opposed to common knowledge. |
| - | In most cases the things which many people believe to be true actually are true, or, of those things that are true, in most cases many people can come to believe in them upon reflection. That is, of the truths that are not so obscure as to be inscrutable, a number of observers and note-takers will do so, that is, make observations and notes, and establish agreement amongst themselves as a result that some truths which are amenable to use have come to be substially known in this way and call this common knowledge. So then the assertion that something is "common knowledge", is merely another way of saying that someone is ignoring an obvious fact, or should have known about it had they been paying attention. | + | The assertion that something is "common knowledge" is sometimes associated with the fallacy ''[[argumentum ad populum]]'' (Latin: "appeal to the people"). The fallacy essentially warns against assuming that just because everyone believes something is true, it is. [[Misinformation]] is easily introduced into [[rumour]]s by intermediate messengers. |
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| + | Many techniques have had to have been developed in response to the question of distinguishing truth from fact in matters that have become "common knowledge". The [[scientific method]] is usually applied in cases involving phenomena associated with astronomy, mathematics, physics, and the general laws of nature. In legal settings, [[rules of evidence]] generally exclude [[hearsay]] (which may draw on "facts" someone believes to be "common knowledge"). | ||
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| + | "[[Conventional wisdom]]" is a similar term, coined by economist [[John Kenneth Galbraith]], referring to ostensibly pervasive knowledge or analysis. | ||
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| + | == Examples == | ||
| + | Examples of Common Knowledge: | ||
| + | * "[[Paris]] is the [current] Capital of [[France]]." Many capital cities of states are considered common knowledge by ''most'' people. | ||
| + | * "The Moon orbits the Earth." Observation of the moon shows us that this happens. In addition, scientific findings give confirmation. | ||
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| + | ==See also== | ||
| + | * [[Common knowledge (logic)]] | ||
| + | * [[Common sense]] | ||
| + | * [[Consensus reality]] | ||
| + | * [[Conventional wisdom]] | ||
| + | * [[Cyc]], an attempt to capture common sense in a computer system | ||
| + | * [[Obliteration by incorporation]] | ||
| + | * [[Rule of thumb]] | ||
| + | * [[Social constructionism]] | ||
| + | * [[Judicial notice]] | ||
| - | Many techniques have had to have been developed in response to the question of distinguishing truth from fact in matters that have become "common knowledge". The [[scientific method]] is usually applied in the cases involving appeal to and familiarity with the phenomena associated with astronomy, mathematics, physics, and as such to the general laws of nature. In legal settings, [[rules of evidence]] generally exclude [[hearsay]] (which may draw on "facts" someone believes to be "common knowledge"). To avoid undue influence from publicity on the neutrality of a [[jury]], judges occasionally must order a [[change of venue]]. Journalists and other investigators of truth may seek a source closer to the facts, eliminating unreliable intermediaries. | ||
| - | That set of truths amenable, discoverable and convenient to use which have come to be known as such by an informed group of parties interested in their own general circumstances, the circumstances each of their own particular endeavours and studies, and the general circumstances pertaining to such studies and endeavours is called amongst them the body of common knowledge, and such informed groups being usually associated strongly by kinship, locality nationhood or like primary affiliation and as are also numerous and inventive in such number then : "common knowledge" rightly is known, to be the body of common knowledge held to be as such within that larger group. | ||
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| - | "[[Conventional wisdom]]" is a similar term, coined by economist John Kenneth Galbraith, referring to ostensibly pervasive knowledge or analysis. | ||
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Common knowledge is knowledge that is known by everyone or nearly everyone, usually with reference to the community in which the term is used. Common knowledge need not concern one specific subject, e.g., science or history. Rather, common knowledge can be about a broad range of subjects, including science, literature, history, entertainment etc. Often, common knowledge does not need to be cited. Common knowledge is distinct from general knowledge. The latter has been defined by differential psychologists as referring to 'culturally valued knowledge communicated by a range of non-specialist media', and is considered an aspect of ability related to intelligence. Therefore there are substantial individual differences in general knowledge as opposed to common knowledge.
The assertion that something is "common knowledge" is sometimes associated with the fallacy argumentum ad populum (Latin: "appeal to the people"). The fallacy essentially warns against assuming that just because everyone believes something is true, it is. Misinformation is easily introduced into rumours by intermediate messengers.
Many techniques have had to have been developed in response to the question of distinguishing truth from fact in matters that have become "common knowledge". The scientific method is usually applied in cases involving phenomena associated with astronomy, mathematics, physics, and the general laws of nature. In legal settings, rules of evidence generally exclude hearsay (which may draw on "facts" someone believes to be "common knowledge").
"Conventional wisdom" is a similar term, coined by economist John Kenneth Galbraith, referring to ostensibly pervasive knowledge or analysis.
Examples
Examples of Common Knowledge:
- "Paris is the [current] Capital of France." Many capital cities of states are considered common knowledge by most people.
- "The Moon orbits the Earth." Observation of the moon shows us that this happens. In addition, scientific findings give confirmation.
See also
- Common knowledge (logic)
- Common sense
- Consensus reality
- Conventional wisdom
- Cyc, an attempt to capture common sense in a computer system
- Obliteration by incorporation
- Rule of thumb
- Social constructionism
- Judicial notice
