Knowledge vs Belief
Knowledge and belief are terms that are often misunderstood in terms of their meanings and connotations when, in reality, there is a distinction between them. Knowledge relates to information that we acquire through experience and experimentation, derived from the realities of the world around us. As the world progresses, various sources of knowledge have also expanded. In contrast, belief is about conviction, mostly evident in religious settings, where the ideals are not tested but merely believed. This article attempts to clarify the meaning between the two words while highlighting the differences.
What is Knowledge?
Knowledge can be defined as information or awareness gained through experience or education. It involves collecting data, arising from a specific collection of data relating to a particular field. In various disciplines, there is a collection of information that is considered knowledge. This fountain of knowledge lays the foundation and allows a discipline to progress. It is not based on faith and the conviction of a group of people, as in the case of belief, but is based on data.
Knowledge is above belief or faith, arising from self-experience and not from what somebody says. It also arises from experience in the natural state of things and is based in intellect, born in the intellect of a human being. Knowledge is essential to differentiate between any given two things or objects.
According to philosophers and thinkers, a man goes in search of knowledge about the self and existence. Scientists go after truths about materials and physical objects, working on natural phenomena and unearthing hidden truths since they hanker after knowledge about science. Thus, knowledge is universal and pertains to every field.
What is Belief?
Belief is a firmly held opinion that does not require any information, as in the case of knowledge. Belief revolves around certain principles, with faith as the governing factor. Unlike knowledge, which relies on self-experience, belief stems from the pure conviction of an individual. The individual does not have to experience the phenomenon to believe; it comes from their inner conviction. In most religions, belief is a core principle that makes people true followers of that particular religion. Unlike knowledge, which is directed by human intellect, belief is not. Belief is based on religious faiths, and it is true that faith and belief go together, with belief culminating in faith. The converse may not be true.
In certain situations, human knowledge can become a barrier between ideals and human conviction. With the increasing development of technology and science, religious beliefs are being questioned. This highlights that knowledge and belief are two completely different words.
What is the difference between Knowledge and Belief?
• Definitions of Knowledge and Belief:
• Knowledge can be defined as information or awareness gained through experience or education.
• Belief is a firmly held opinion.
• Collection of Data:
• Knowledge involves a collection of data.
• Belief does not involve a collection of data.
• Faith:
• Knowledge has nothing to do with faith.
• Belief has faith as the factor that governs.
• Knowledge is above belief or faith.
• Cause:
• Knowledge arises out of self-experience and the natural state of things.
• Belief arises from what another has preached.
• Basis:
• Knowledge has its basis in intellect.
• Belief is based on religious faiths.
Key Takeaways
- Knowledge is information or awareness gained through experience or education, while belief is a firmly held opinion.
- Knowledge involves a collection of data and is based on intellect, whereas belief does not involve a collection of data and is based on religious faiths.
- Knowledge arises from self-experience and the natural state of things, while belief arises from what another has preached and is governed by faith.
