Knowledge: Systematic Organization of Facts, Essay Example

Introduction

Although knowledge is observed as a systematic organization of facts, it contributes to all areas of the life span and how human beings learn. Therefore, it is essential to formulate knowledge in the context of the facts that are categorized into different areas, such as art and history, mathematics, and the natural sciences. Specifically, art and history possess their own knowledge structure that is based upon two key elements: creativity and actual events. Knowledge is based upon an individual’s personal creativity and inner self-concept as a means of exploring his or her own truth, using facts as a framework for this knowledge. On the other hand, knowledge is also observed as a series of actual events that have taken place in the past and that shape the future. From this perspective, knowledge may be viewed as collaborating forces that drive the ability to acquire information in different forms, much of which overlaps and supports creative expression and the events taking place. Therefore, two questions should be considered: 1) Is knowledge just a collection of facts?; and 2) Is knowledge just an interpretation of facts? These questions will be addressed in the following paragraphs.

Section 2

Knowledge is a driving force in supporting creativity and the human experience in different forms. It is believed that allowing oneself to exercise freedom of expression and enabling individuals to recognize new facts or forms of knowledge that might have been otherwise undiscovered. Knowledge may also be viewed as a culmination of past events; however, these events shape the present and the future in ways that might have never been imagined by those who lived through them. In using history as a platform, knowledge is in some ways a mere collection of facts that come together to create experiences. The knowledge that is derived, therefore, is collected as factual evidence but does not contribute to new experiences. Knowledge in both art and history, therefore, is observed differently and individually to form facts, perceptions, and beliefs. One might question his or her own perceptions and whether or not these translate into knowledge, and the answer to this question is within one’s own experience.

Historical events are not associated with art in every example and occur in their own vacuum to some degree. Art is only a singular component of history, and much takes place that does not have anything to do with art, such as human and natural science, for example. Knowledge is in art and in history; however, their meaning is interpreted differently based on one’s own body of knowledge. Knowledge as a collection of facts does not consider sensory perception and observation, nor does it reflect intuition and inspiration. However, it may be considered as reasonable and authoritative to the extent that as a series of facts, it is a body of knowledge that is authoritative in that it definitely occurred in the past. It represents reason in that the facts are grounded in reality.

When considering art and history as an interpretation of facts, this represents some truths and some falsehoods. For example, truth in interpretation is evident in art and history that are reasonably agreed upon as truthful and accurate. On the contrary, art and history are often individualistic, as interpretations represent a means of exploring new insights into a given art for or historical event. The former depends on reason, logic, and authority, while the latter depends on observation and intuition. Interpreting facts in one’s own way is largely intuitive and sheds light on why human beings possess highly individualistic perspectives of knowledge. This process enables one to interpret knowledge in a manner that is consistent with his or her intuition and principles. Knowledge may be viewed as an art form or as a piece of history; in either scenario, it is necessary to recognize that the senses and perception contribute to knowledge formation.

Section 3

Each individual possesses his or her own history and knowledge base that is independent from that of other people and of society. These experiences are relevant because they support a continuous understanding of individual experience and personal history. Knowledge is derived from these experiences and how they are perceived by each person. On the contrary, history is not viewed by the masses as every single experience that has occurred. The majority of people view history from a select series of events that have had worldwide significance or merit and have impact the lives of many people. The formation of historical events is highly individualistic and is typically grounded in factual information. Furthermore, it is evident that knowledge is derived from individual experiences, yet does not always influence the bigger picture. Much of the historical record that is relevant society appears to be based on chance and other factors. Events in history play a role in shaping the future; however, not all individual experiences are part of the mass historical record. Different ways of knowing occur on a regular basis and form the basis for accepting knowledge as fact and/or interpreting it in a unique manner from all others. Knowledge from history is highly relevant in some ways and irrelevant in others. Some might interpret facts as part of a larger body of knowledge, while others recognize knowledge as more of a sensory-based experience.

Section 4

Art uses elements of history in every single work that is created, i.e. all art is created using elements of the past in different forms. Art and history in this sense are forever fused together in many unique patterns that cannot be duplicated. Artists must rely on knowledge to create their works, using the facts that already exist.. New contributions must be distinguished from those of the past and strive to be successful and unique in their own right. Knowledge as a series of facts appears to contradict this process in that art in this sense cannot and should not be interpreted on an individual basis. This is not, however, how many individuals view art in reality.  Knowledge from art is highly perceptive and is not merely a series of facts that occur as part of history. They provide a greater significance to the development of new forms of knowledge. Most importantly, knowledge is generated using a highly specific framework and is partially grounded in fact and partially grounded in perception.

On the other hand, every work of art is a new concept in its own right and is based upon personal knowledge and experience as they fuse together. Nonetheless, there are not enough ideas in the world to enable all artists to develop techniques that have not been used in some form in the past as part of existing facts. It becomes very difficult to achieve this level and to achieve a creative result if there is no reference to the past. The solution is to build upon history and to blend some of the old with the new to create a unique dynamic that might not have been considered before. Much of this is inherent, with perception taking a lead role in shaping knowledge beyond factual evidence and into a more creative approach. Knowledge supports the effective understanding of the facts, senses, perceptions, and experiences that form one’s own body of information that is used throughout the life span.

Conclusion

Art and history are dependent on the other in the formation of knowledge. These efforts are critical in shaping the historical record and in blending two concepts together to create memorable works and events in different forms. Life experiences are very different for all individuals; therefore, their views of art and history may be different. Nonetheless, they reflect an important understanding of the challenges that artists face as they attempt to share their creativity with the world and to become a part of the historical record. Knowledge is often viewed as a collection of facts; however, this is not the only means of obtaining knowledge, as perception and experience also play a role in the formation of knowledge.

All experiences are shaped by history and become a part of the historical record after they have occurred. Similarly, art represents a means of exploring new forms of knowledge, combined with creative expression in order to achieve the desired result. It is important for artists to recognize their place in history and to use history to their advantage. History and art are not one in the same, and knowledge from these two areas is not merely a set of facts without any true connection that is grounded in prior knowledge in the form of facts, experiences, and perceptions. They are more complex and integrate perception, intuition, reason, and authority in different forms so that knowledge evolves on a continuous basis and blends fact with creativity and experience. In particular, intuition and reason play a role in forming knowledge as a combination of facts, perception, and experience that continues to grow and thrive throughout the life span.