What is the Difference Between Information and Knowledge?

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The main difference between information and knowledge lies in their definitions and how they are acquired:

  • Information refers to the organized data about someone or something obtained from various sources, such as the internet, television, or discussions. It is a refined form of data that is helpful to understand the meaning. Information can be easily transferred and is often codified.
  • Knowledge is the awareness or understanding of a subject acquired from experience or education. It goes beyond information, as it involves understanding and expertise, and is the result of gaining insights, experience, and being able to apply information in a meaningful way. Knowledge is both codified and uncodified, with the most valuable knowledge often being uncodified.

Some key differences between information and knowledge include:

  1. Information is mostly about "know-what," offering facts that can be used to help create useful knowledge.
  2. Information alone is not sufficient to make predictions, while knowledge has the ability to predict or make inferences.
  3. Every piece of information is not necessarily knowledge, but all knowledge is information.
  4. Information can be easily transferred and reproduced, while the transfer and reproduction of knowledge are more difficult, as it often relies on tacit knowledge.

In summary, information is organized data that provides facts or details about a subject, while knowledge is the understanding, awareness, or skill acquired through experience or education, which allows individuals to make informed judgments and take effective action.

Comparative Table: Information vs Knowledge

Here is a table highlighting the differences between information and knowledge:

Information Knowledge
Refined data Useful information
Comprehension as the outcome Understanding as the outcome
Enhances representation Increases consciousness
Not sufficient for predictions Predictions possible with required experience
Facts about someone or something Awareness or understanding of a subject
Obtained from various sources (e.g., internet, television) Acquired from education or experience
Organized and processed data Relevant information for decision-making

In summary, information is refined data that provides comprehension and enhances representation. It is obtained from various sources and can be communicated through messages or observations. On the other hand, knowledge is useful information that leads to understanding and increased consciousness. It is acquired through education or experience and is essential for making predictions and decision-making.