# Science and Knowledge

*This chapter is based on the notes [2022-05-03_SPSE_Knowledge.pdf](../../course_notes/2022-05-03_SPSE_Knowledge.pdf)*

## Intuitive Meaning of Science

Knowledge

- Essence of (rational) understanding
- Insights, findings
- Certainty, sureness
- **not knowledge:** assumptions, opinions, believe, feelings
- but be careful, this is still knowledge:
  - knowledge about beliefs and religions
  - irrational knowledge:
    Knowledge not based on facts or without rational reason.  

There are three types of knowledge,
defined by their purpose:

1. **Educational knowledge**
    forms the personality and extends the own understanding

    Example: Mathematics

2. **Performance knowledge** is used to shape/design the world
    (also called "knowledge of emperors/leaders")

    Example: How to govern, how to create policies

3. **Salvation knowledge** legitimizes the existence of religion 

    Example: Beliefs of a religion that are claimed
    to be certain (God exists).

[Brockhaus, Bd. 24]

## Creation of Knowledge

Two types of creation of knowledge (also called 'science'):

- **primary** knowledge is created through
    * random observations
    * systematic exploration and investigation
    * deductive reasoning
- **secondary** knowledge is created through
    * studying and analyzing primary knowledge

Knowledge is transferred through education:

- through institutions (universities, colleges, academies)
- continuously
- mutual exchange between science and education 

Points to consider:

- is knowledge complete?
- is knowledge free of contradictions?
- pratical knowledge ("to know that")
    vs. theoretical knowledge ("to know why")
    
*Note:*
According to Platon, knowledge is "true opinion for which reason is given".
**This is not sufficient** according to today's science system.


## Definition of Science

Coming back to "science":

- essence of human knowledge of a whole epoch
- systematically collected, conserved, taught and passed on by word of mouth
- all insights about an area of research -> justifications and reasonings (Begruendungszusammenhang)
- process of documented exploration of an area of research

Examples for areas of research about:
    * nature
    * human mind
    * society
    * technology and engineering

- currently, we are in the epoch of science (Wissenschaftszeitalter)


## Categories of Science

Types of science:

* theoretical science (foundations, methodologies)
* practical-applied science or experience-based science

Means of discovering knowledge:

* rational science
* empirical science

## Science as Compression of Knowledge

![](2-Science/2-Science-diagram.pdf)

[Diagram](2-Science/2-Science-diagram.pdf)