Education vs Knowledge
Knowledge and education are two concepts that are closely related, as they often lead to one another. Despite this close relationship, it is incorrect to use the two terms interchangeably.
What is Knowledge?
Knowledge refers to the awareness or understanding of various things, such as facts, information, skills, and descriptions, which can be acquired through perception, learning, or experience. This understanding can be either practical or theoretical. Knowledge can be implicit, relating to practical skills or experience, or explicit, relating to the theoretical understanding of a subject. Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that studies knowledge. Knowledge is the outcome of a complex cognitive process involving perception, association, reasoning, and communication. Although many theories attempt to define knowledge, no universally accepted definition exists. Plato argued that a statement must be justified, true, and believed to be considered knowledge, but many find this insufficient. Knowledge is also related to the capacity for acknowledgment in humans.
What is Education?
Education is often described as a learning process where the skills and expertise of a specific group are passed down from one generation to the next through training, teaching, or research. Any experience that has a formative effect on how one acts, feels, or thinks can be considered education. Education is a structured process and is typically divided into sectors such as preschool, primary school, secondary school, college, university, and apprenticeship. The right to education is recognized by Article 13 of the United Nations’ 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. While education is compulsory in some countries up to a certain age, attending school is not, as parents may choose to homeschool their children or opt for e-learning alternatives. Therefore, education usually occurs under the guidance of others, often in the form of a teacher or instructor.
Key Takeaways
- Education is a formal process acquired at formal institutions, while knowledge is an informal experience gained from life experiences.
- Education is the process of learning and understanding facts and figures, whereas knowledge is the application of those facts and theories.
- Education has a predefined curriculum, rules, and regulations, whereas knowledge has no such boundaries.
