Limits of Knowledge
23/6/14
Is the ability to learn finite in an individual? In a society? In a territory / region / country? In a species? Learning is contextual, and hence appears to be progressive. As one becomes aware of experiences in a certain body of knowledge, then it becomes possible to scale beyond, grow deeper, appreciate the nuances which were not possible at the very early level of learning and knowing. This is the idea and concept of progress, where one builds on an existing platform, and create a new platform which others might be able to use. But this is from an individual’s perspective. We also have learning which is collective, where the progress is due to collaborative involvement, as a team or group. This aspect of learning we call culture and tradition which show as a manifestation of the collective learning. From a historical perspective we recognize this as the different competencies and capabilities of different cultures or regions, and we identify some as superior because of the evidence of their contribution, as in philosophical contributions of the Greek, technological innovations of the Chinese, administrative capabilities of the Romans, etc. The question is why there are islands of excellence in knowledge and wisdom among communities and groups? Yes, the physical distances could have contributed at a time when the communication technologies were primitive. Since collective learning required learning from others, one had access to the wisdom of his neighbors and not of distant expertise. But, even after communication technologies have made access to distant knowledge we still see pools of knowledge localized to small areas. Is this because of some inherent limitation to learn?
Delectable Debates 