Knowledge
As expounded elsewhere (Collen, 2002), knowledge comes in particular forms. One can
articulate the construct in terms of its level of description and generalizability to explain
phenomena. There is mono, inter-, cross-, multi-, trans-, and meta-disciplinary knowledge.
Knowledge serves various aims, specifically, to explain, understand, and/or ameliorate. The paradigmatic assumptions, interests and aims held by the inquirer largely determine which one or more aims governs the form it takes. Finally, knowledge has an important relationship with the process that generates it. It can emerge by means of a process of discovery that reveals how life works in the physical universe, personal experience that builds up a rich cognitive map and ways of being in a particular environment, creative activity that brings insights into realms of human consciousness, and acquired know-how that enables construction and maintenance of the artificial