Fin

Knowledge comes in many different forms and is also learned in many different ways. Using the 4 units of knowledge we discussed during our in-class salon, I was able to better analyze the connections between all the units.

Here’s a brief overview about the 4 units of knowledge from my discussions:

            Folk: Essentially the knowledge gained not by textual means but rather by first-hand experience. For example: taking a shower, how to sing, and throwing and catching a ball.

            Oral: I discussed with Jenna and Rachel how knowledge that is transmitted orally must have the basis of folk knowledge. Within religion and spirituality, oral communication is necessary and vital. For example: listening to general conference, Buddhists’ mantra, and ministers in common churches.

            Written: Discussion interestingly centered a lot on handwriting and the value they hold within even today’s culture. Also today’s knowledge institutions still have written knowledge. For example, math and physics classes have homework assignments with formulas, equations, and problems that are all handwritten and turned in.

            Print: Talked of the possibility that print will become obsolete and what the effects will be. Translation with each generation of past knowledge, have we reached the point where future generations will not have to translate into own medium?

Thesis:            

            Through the evolution and development of knowledge, society and culture have developed multiple mediums to communicate that knowledge and will continue to do so with the fundamental unit being folk knowledge, while other units of knowledge may become obsolete or nonessential.

           

            The discussions I was able to have with my fellow classmates were quite enlightening. A common theme I personally discovered was that with each unit of knowledge had its fundamental basis from folk knowledge.

            Rachel, Jenna, and I talked of the “powerful effect” that oral knowledge has within religion and whether or not it is the most vital aspect of spirituality. One thing discussed was how ministers must be able to be great speech givers. Without oral skill, they will not be listened to. Even when we as LDS members read the Book of Mormon ourselves, we will either discuss with others or pray (although that may not be exactly “oral” it is a conversation with Heavenly Father). But our spirituality and religion personal views would not have been developed if we weren’t taught so by our parents, leaders, or other influential people. Oral knowledge will most likely not become obsolete, but it is important to note that folk knowledge is a necessary basis before learning through this medium.
            In my “written” discussion with Ryan and Samuel, we talked a lot about handwriting and how today, we value a handwritten letter or note much more than we would value an email. We would not take time to frame an email but for letters or notes, if they were cherished enough, we would do what we could to preserve it. We briefly talked of knowledge institutions and how we are transitioning more into technology for notes and information. But interestingly, we remembered that in our math courses, we still turn in assignments that are handwritten, it is rather difficult to write out equations and formulas on your computer. Written mediums already are falling to the wayside and may become obsolete or nonessential as time goes on.

            My print knowledge discussion was interesting with Dane and Rachel as Dane presented his belief that print would become obsolete and all knowledge would be in electronic form. I presented a thought of how we’ve had to “translate” from generation to generation of knowledge. We translated Shakespearean books to modern day language and print so we could read. We’ve had thousands of printed books transferred to electronic form. Have we reached a point where our future generations won’t have to “translate” to a different medium? My belief is that print will not become obsolete but will become nonessential.

            Through the various types of knowledge, it is important to note that we must have originally gained how we utilize and appreciate that certain medium, which is through folk knowledge. While learning will evolve and develop over time, the basis of it all will be in folk. While units such as writing and print may become obsolete or nonessential as new technologies are introduced.