Who is the author of 'Personal Knowledge'?

The author of 'Personal Knowledge' is Michael Polanyi.

What are the main themes in 'Personal Knowledge'?

The main themes in 'Personal Knowledge' include Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy.

What genre is 'Personal Knowledge'?

'Personal Knowledge' is categorized as Philosophy.

What is the main argument presented by Michael Polanyi in 'Personal Knowledge'?

In 'Personal Knowledge,' Michael Polanyi argues that all knowledge is inherently personal and cannot be fully articulated or transferred. He emphasizes the importance of tacit knowledge, which encompasses the insights, skills, and intuitions that individuals gain through personal experience and involvement. Polanyi critiques the objective epistemology that separates the knower from the known, asserting that a complete understanding of knowledge must recognize the subjective elements and the role of personal commitment in the process of knowing.

How does Polanyi differentiate between personal knowledge and explicit knowledge?

In 'Personal Knowledge', Michael Polanyi differentiates between personal knowledge and explicit knowledge by emphasizing the subjective and tacit elements involved in personal knowledge. Personal knowledge is rooted in individual experience, intuition, and the personal conviction that arises from one's background and tacit understanding. It encompasses the way individuals engage with their knowledge, which is often not fully articulate or codified. In contrast, explicit knowledge is knowledge that can be easily articulated, written down, and shared with others. It includes formal theories, technical competencies, and documented facts that are easily transferable in a straightforward manner. Polanyi argues that while explicit knowledge is important, it cannot encompass the full depth of what individuals know, which is often informed by their personal engagement and sustained experiences rather than solely by objective information.

What examples does Polanyi use to illustrate his theories?

In 'Personal Knowledge', Michael Polanyi uses various examples to illustrate his theories, including the process of scientific discovery, the nature of tacit knowledge, and the significance of personal involvement in knowledge acquisition. Some specific examples include the way scientists intuitively guide their research based on high-level insights that are not explicitly articulated, such as the work of renowned scientists like Max Planck and Albert Einstein. Polanyi discusses how their breakthroughs involved not just formal knowledge but also an ineffable, personal understanding that shapes their scientific intuition. Additionally, he contrasts the objective, mechanistic views of knowledge with the subjective, personal experiences that contribute to meaningful learning and discovery.

What are some of the key themes explored in 'Personal Knowledge'?

Some of the key themes explored in 'Personal Knowledge' by Michael Polanyi include: Tacit Knowledge: Polanyi emphasizes the importance of tacit knowledge—knowledge that is difficult to transfer to another person by means of writing it down or verbalizing it. He argues that much of what we know is not easily articulated. Personal involvement in knowledge: The book discusses how personal commitments and experiences shape our understanding and knowledge, suggesting that knowledge is inherently personal and subjective. The role of science and objectivity: Polanyi critiques the notion of objective, detached scientific inquiry, advocating instead for a more holistic view that incorporates personal engagement and the scientist's perspective in the pursuit of knowledge. The nature of scientific discovery: Polanyi explores the creative process behind scientific breakthroughs, emphasizing intuition and the role of the scientist's personal judgment in making discoveries. Community and tradition: The book touches on the idea that knowledge is developed within communities and traditions, highlighting the social nature of knowledge formation and the historical context that influences it.

How has 'Personal Knowledge' influenced contemporary discussions about knowledge and science?

'Personal Knowledge' by Michael Polanyi has significantly influenced contemporary discussions about knowledge and science by emphasizing the role of personal involvement and tacit knowledge in the scientific process. Polanyi argued that knowledge is not just a set of objective facts but also includes subjective elements that shape our understanding and discoveries. This perspective has contributed to debates on the nature of scientific inquiry, the importance of individual intuition in scientific advancements, and the limitations of purely objective methodologies. Furthermore, Polanyi's ideas have encouraged interdisciplinary approaches and have influenced fields such as epistemology, the philosophy of science, and the sociology of knowledge, leading scholars to explore how personal and communal aspects of knowledge creation affect scientific progress.

Personal Knowledge Book Summary

In 'Personal Knowledge', Michael Polanyi explores the intricate nature of knowledge and how it is fundamentally tied to personal experience and tacit understanding. He argues that knowing is not merely about data and facts, but about the rich, subjective context in which we interpret our experiences. Polanyi challenges prevailing notions of objectivity in science, suggesting that personal engagement and hunches play crucial roles in discovery and innovation. Through compelling examples, he illustrates that knowledge is inherently a personal affair, filled with passions and commitments. This thought-provoking work invites readers to reconsider what it means to truly know something.

By Michael Polanyi

Published: 2015

"We can know more than we can tell."

The publication of Personal Knowledge in 1958 shook the science world, as Michael Polanyi took aim at the long-standing ideals of rigid empiricism and rule-bound logic. Today, Personal Knowledge remains one of the most significant philosophy of science books of the twentieth century, bringing the crucial concepts of “tacit knowledge” and “personal knowledge” to the forefront of inquiry. In this remarkable treatise, Polanyi attests that our personal experiences and ways of sharing knowledge have a profound effect on scientific discovery. He argues against the idea of the wholly dispassionate researcher, pointing out that even in the strictest of sciences, knowing is still an art, and that personal commitment and passion are logically necessary parts of research. In our technological age where fact is split from value and science from humanity, Polanyi’s work continues to advocate for the innate curiosity and scientific leaps of faith that drive our most dazzling ingenuity. For this expanded edition, Polyani scholar Mary Jo Nye set the philosopher-scientist’s work into contemporary context, offering fresh insights and providing a helpful guide to critical terms in the work. Used in fields as diverse as religious studies, chemistry, economics, and anthropology, Polanyi’s view of knowledge creation is just as relevant to intellectual endeavors today as when it first made waves more than fifty years ago.

Similar books you might like →