Education vs Knowledge
Knowledge and education are two words that are very much interrelated since one, more often than not, leads to the other and vice versa. It is because of this very reason that the two words are used as synonyms for one another, as well. However, it is inaccurate to do so.
What is Knowledge?
Knowledge is the awareness or understanding of certain things such as facts, information, skills and descriptions which can be obtained through perception, learning, or experience. This understanding can either be practical or theoretical. Knowledge can either be implicit with regards to practical skill or experience, or it can be explicit with regards to the theoretical understanding of a subject. In philosophy, the study of knowledge is referred to as epistemology. The end result of a complex cognitive process, knowledge requires perception, association, reasoning, and communication. Although there are many theories to explain what knowledge is, no agreed upon definition of knowledge exists to this day. However, according to Plato, a statement must be met with three criteria, to be regarded as knowledge. It must be justified, true, and believed in order to be accepted as knowledge. However, most believe this to be insufficient. Knowledge is also known to be related to the capacity of acknowledgment in human beings.
What is Education?
Education is often defined as a process of learning during which the skills and expertise of a certain group is passed from one generation to another by way of training, teaching, or research. Any sort of experience that has a formative effect on the manner in which one acts, feels, or thinks can be regarded as education. Education is a structured process and is usually divided into certain sectors such as preschool, primary school, secondary school, college, university, apprenticeship etc. The right to education has been recognized by the Article 13 of the United Nations’ 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. While education is recognized as compulsory in certain countries up to a certain age, going to school is not as parents are known to home school their children or are opt for e-learning as alternatives. Thus, education is a process that usually takes place under the guidance of others, usually in the form of a teacher or an instructor.
What is the difference between Knowledge and Education?
• Education is a formal process acquired at formal institutions such as schools and universities whereas knowledge is an informal experience gained from life experiences.
• Education is a process of gaining knowledge for everyday use whereas knowledge is gaining facts and information from education, consultation, or reading.
• Knowledge is self-gained or self-driven. Education is gained through teachers or instructors.
• Education is the process of learning and getting to know the facts and figures. Knowledge is the application of those facts and theories.
• Education has a predefined curriculum, rules, and regulations, whereas knowledge has no such boundaries.
• Education grows with age. Knowledge has no such predefined growth rate.
• In order to pursue education, a system has to be followed. Acquiring knowledge requires no such systems.
• Knowledge is the understanding. Education is the learning.
Further Readings:
1. Difference Between Tacit and Explicit Knowledge