Difference Between Knowledge and Belief

Knowledge vs Belief
 

Knowledge and Belief are two words that are often confused when it comes to their meanings and connotations when strictly speaking, there is some difference between them. Knowledge is all about information. Knowledge is what we gain through experience and experimentation. It derives from the realities of the world around us. As the world progresses, various sources of knowledge have also expanded. On the other hand, belief is all about conviction. This is mostly visible in religious settings, where the ideals are not tested but merely believed. This is the main difference between the two words. This article attempts to clarify the meaning between the two words while highlighting the differences.

What is Knowledge?

Knowledge can be defined as information or awareness gained through experience or education. Knowledge involves a collection of data. In fact, it can be said that knowledge arises out of a specific collection of data pertaining to any particular field. In various disciplines, there is a collection of information that is considered as knowledge. It is this fountain of knowledge that lays the foundation and allows a discipline to progress. It is not based on faith and the conviction of a group people as in the case of belief but is based on data.

Knowledge is above belief or faith. Knowledge arises out of self-experience. It does not come out of what somebody says. It also arises out of experience in the natural state of things. Knowledge has its basis in intellect. It is born in the intellect of the human being. Knowledge is essential to differentiate between any given two things or objects.

According to philosophers and thinkers, a man goes in search of knowledge about the self and existence. Scientists go after truths about materials and physical objects. They work on natural phenomena and unearth the hidden truths since they hanker after knowledge about science. Hence, knowledge is universal, and it pertains to every field.

What is Belief?

Belief is a firmly held opinion. This does not require any information as in the case of knowledge. Belief revolves around certain principles. It has faith as the factor that governs. Unlike knowledge that relies on self-experience, belief stems from the pure conviction of an individual. The individual does not have to experience the phenomenon to believe. It comes from his inner conviction. In most religions, belief is a core principle. It is this belief that makes people true followers of that particular religion. Unlike knowledge that is directed by human intellect, belief is not. Belief is based on religious faiths. It is indeed true that faith and belief go together. Belief culminates in faith. The converse may not be true.

In certain situations, human knowledge can become a barrier between ideals and human conviction. With the increasing development of technology and science, religious beliefs are being questioned. This highlights that knowledge and belief are two completely different words.

What is the difference between Knowledge and Belief?

• Definitions of Knowledge and Belief:

• Knowledge can be defined as information or awareness gained through experience or education.

• Belief is a firmly held opinion.

• Collection of Data:

• Knowledge involves a collection of data as well.

• Belief does not involve a collection of data.

• Faith:

• Knowledge has nothing to do with faith.

• Belief has faith as the factor that governs.

• Knowledge is above belief or faith.

• Cause:

• Knowledge arises out of self-experience and the natural state of things.

• Belief arises from what another has preached.

• Basis:

• Knowledge has its basis in intellect.

• Belief is based on religious faiths.

 

Images Courtesy:

1. Knowledge via Pixabay (Public Domain)
2. A man praying at a Japanese Shinto shrine by  Sandstein (CC BY 2.0)