Defining Ways of Knowing
Ways of Knowing
A “way of knowing” is a tool used to acquire knowledge. These tools include:
- Language
- Sense perception
- Emotion
- Reason
- Imagination
- Intuition
- Memory
- Faith
There is no “perfect” method to acquire knowledge. Some people prioritize a way of knowing based on what is considered useful to society or to themselves.
In summary:
questions → ways of knowing → knowledge claim
| Questions | Way of Knowing | Knowledge |
|---|---|---|
| What colour is the grass? | Sense perception: Observation |
The grass is green. |
| Why do I buy cool treats for my cat? | Emotion | I love my cat. |
Sources
Antoine, A.-na-hi, Mason, R., Mason, R., Palahicky, S., & France, C. R. de. (2018, September 5). Indigenization, Decolonization, and Reconciliation. Pulling Together A Guide for Curriculum Developers. Available at https://opentextbc.ca/indigenizationcurriculumdevelopers/chapter/indigenization-decolonization-and-reconciliation/
Canadian Council on Learning. (2009). The state of Aboriginal learning in Canada: a holistic approach to measuring success. Ottawa, Ont.: Canadian Council on Learning = Conseil canadien sur l’apprentissage. Available at https://www.afn.ca/uploads/files/education2/state_of_aboriginal_learning_in_canada-final_report,_ccl,_2009.pdf
Dei, G. (2008). Indigenous Knowledge Studies and the Next Generation: Pedagogical Possibilites for Anti-Colonial Education. The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, 37(S1), 5-13. doi:10.1375/S1326011100000326
IB Theory of Knowledge. (2020, May 22). Wikibooks. Retrieved from https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/IB_Theory_of_Knowledge
Resource: Polarity Mapping. (2017, May 27). University Innovation Fellows. Retrieved from https://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Resource:Polarity_Mapping
Truncellito, D. A. (n.d.). Epistemology. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (IEP). https://www.iep.utm.edu/epistemo/
A tool used to acquire knowledge.
