RE: Help understanding theory of knowledge.

["Vic Forte" <vic@vichara.f9.co.uk>]

OK, having reflected on your replies, here are the conclusions I have come
to. I would be grateful for your comments to aid my learning.

a) A proposition only has potential for knowledge if it is testable.
b) A testable statement is also one that makes a prediction (right or
wrong).
c) Knowledge is not binary (know - don't know) but tentative, developmental.
d) Knowledge is not static, but dynamic - knowledge is a process, not a
fixed state.
e) Knowledge only comes about through practice, by having a theory and
testing it.
f) No number of examples gives knowledge, therefore knowledge does not come
about through copying or reading, this can only give you theory which you
can then test and develop into knowledge.
g) The theory of knowledge fits with the other elements of the System of
Profound Knowledge:

1) Intrinsic motivation - through the joy of learning by doing
2) Understanding variation - through the state of statistical control
3) Systems thinking - sorry don't see how it fits

Dr Deming's theory of knowledge is similar to Carl Popper's characterisation
of the scientific method.

It is highly pragmatic, empirical and dynamic, but it is a somewhat
specialised use of the word and therefore must be used carefully and in
context.

But to play devils' advocate:

If knowledge comes about through having a theory and testing it.
If no number of examples provides knowledge.
If knowledge does not come about through copying or reading (which only give
you theory).

Then there is no such thing as knowledge in society, it can only exist
within individuals or groups engaged in PDSA.

Books do not contain knowledge.
Colleges and universities are not repositories of knowledge.
Knowledge cannot be found anywhere in my Encarta CD!
Knowledge is nowhere to be found in The New Economics by W. Edwards Deming.

These are full of information that can form the basis of a test, but only my
test itself can give me knowledge.

Is this right?
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