Knowing How and Knowing What

An important distinction made in week one’s symposium was between tacit and explicit knowledge. Essentially, this is the difference between ‘know how’ (tacit) and ‘know what’ (explicit).

Tacit knowledge, or knowing how to do something is not easily communicated. I like to think of it as something the body just knows how to do.

On the other hand, explicit knowledge is something that’s easily communicated. You could say the majority of what we learn at university is explicit knowledge.

Something I’ve always known how to do is sing. I never learnt how to do it, it just came naturally to me from a young age. I know many people who’ve had singing lessons and developed their voices to a decent level, but I think there’s an obvious difference between a person who can sing naturally (tacitly), and a person who has learnt how to sing (explicitly). The quality is different. I know this makes me sound like a singing snob, but it is what it is.

In my opinion tacit knowledge is special because it can’t be taught. Anyone who is somewhat determined can go to uni and gain explicit knowledge, but tacit knowledge allows people to be individuals with unique talents.

Here are some more examples of tacit knowledge Ten Examples of Tacit Knowledge

I’d love to know your thoughts. Do you think tacit knowledge can be taught?