Perception and Knowledge

While perception and knowledge are used synonymously by some, these words are actually very different. When an individual perceives something, they often times interpret it as fact before obtaining evidence to prove its validity. Every one's perceptions are created with bias and judgment which can cloud the mind from viewing the reality of the object, idea, or situation. Knowledge, on the other hand, is concrete and universal. Knowledge is something that is accepted as the truth and can be proven. Take a painting in an art museum for example. Every viewer's original perception of this painting is going to be different. Each person will use their previous knowledge, life experiences, and beliefs to decide what they believe the painting is depicting or what it is supposed to represent. Refer to this same painting again, but look at the reference plaque near it. This plaque will tell the reader who the artist was, in what time period this piece of work was created, and even the artist’s intentions. All of this is what makes up knowledge. It is all fact which cannot be changed or argued. There is a clear difference between perception and knowledge, whether people chooses to acknowledge that or not it a different story.

I do not believe there to be any similarities between these two words seeing as one is based on fact and one is based on opinion. I do, however, believe that these two words must go together. One of these terms cannot be used without the other. With all perceptions comes knowledge (whether it comes before or after) and with all knowledge comes perceptions which are based on the individual and who they are as a person.

Now, with the definition of these terms in our minds, we can answer the antagonizing question of whether perceptions are needed for knowledge. The answer is simple. In order to know something, and I mean to fully understand and comprehend it, you must first perceive it. Your perceptions are what give you knowledge. They help to connect an individual with what they are learning. If someone was simply fed information that was irrelevant to their life, they are not going to retain it. Perceptions are made using life experiences and personal beliefs which then leads to knowledge on the subject. If as person is able to connect with what they are learning or apply it in some way, they will gain knowledge more efficiently and and become truly knowledgeable on the subject.

Also, just because something is perceived does not mean it is a fact or was previously known. Remember that quiet kid who sat in the front of the bus, never talked, and always carried his violin with him? I bet you always thought he was a geek and earned straight A's. Yet, when you got to know him, you realized that he is actually a C student. This is a perception that was made without any previous knowledge and based off of stereotypes. It is a common mistake for individuals to mistake their perceptions for knowledge – especially young adults. This group particularly does not have the life experience to understand the difference.

To become knowledgeable in a certain subject or variety of subjects can be done in various ways. However, there are ways that are superior to others in this regard. Facts that can be proven over and over again with hard, scientific evidence are the ones that are ‘best’ to know. These are facts that are going to be hard to refute because actual evidence proving this fact exist and can be replicated. Yet, not everything can be proven using science. So, knowledge that is gained through ideas with supporting evidence is the next best thing. However, these facts can be interpreted in various ways to help prove multiply sides of the same argument depending on how they are used in context. As long as the individual has an understanding of all sides of the argument this way of gaining knowledge is legitimate. The absolute worst way to gain knowledge is by word of mouth. It is never acceptable to assume something as fact just because you heard it from a “reliable source.” Unfortunately, this is how many people form their opinions on certain subjects and never take the time to fully research the “fact” before they accept it as the absolute truth.