book personal knowledge

personal knowledge book by michael polanyi

michael polanyis seminal work, "personal knowledge: towards a post-critical philosophy," is a landmark exploration into the nature of knowledge itself. this profound book challenges conventional notions of objectivity and scientific inquiry, arguing passionately for the indispensable role of the knower in the act of knowing. it offers a deeply humanistic perspective, suggesting that all knowledge, even scientific, is personal and based on commitments, beliefs, and tacit understanding that shape our interpretation of reality.

personal knowledge summary

in "personal knowledge," michael polanyi fundamentally redefines our understanding of how we acquire and validate knowledge, moving beyond the perceived strictures of objective, impersonal science. he argues that the traditional view of science as a detached, purely objective pursuit is insufficient and, in fact, misleading. polanyi posits that knowledge is inherently personal, deeply intertwined with the individuals experiences, intuitions, and commitments. he introduces the concept of "tacit knowledge," the vast reservoir of unarticulated understanding that underpins all explicit knowledge and skill. this book serves as a powerful defense of intellectual tradition and personal judgment against the tide of skepticism and relativism. by examining the process of scientific discovery and the nature of belief, polanyi builds a compelling case for a more comprehensive epistemology that embraces the subjectivity inherent in all human endeavors. the work is a call to recognize and value the personal element in every act of knowing, urging readers to engage with knowledge not as passive recipients but as active participants.

1. book name : personal knowledge: towards a post-critical philosophy
2. author name : michael polanyi
3. genre : philosophy, epistemology, science studies
4. page : 526 (for the first edition)
5. isbn : 978-0226672865
6. asin : b000r8k55w (for kindle edition)
7. edition language : english
8. date of publication : 1958

about the author michael polanyi

michael polanyi was a hungarian-british polymath who made significant contributions to physical chemistry, economics, and philosophy of science. trained as a chemist, he later shifted his focus to the philosophical implications of science, becoming one of the most influential thinkers in the field of epistemology during the 20th century. his experiences and observations across diverse fields fueled his unique perspective on the nature of knowledge and belief.

personal knowledge faq

1. what is the central thesis of michael polanyis personal knowledge?

   the central thesis of personal knowledge is that all knowledge is personal and cannot be separated from the knowers commitments, beliefs, and tacit understanding. polanyi argues against the ideal of pure objectivity in science, emphasizing that personal judgment and involvement are essential to the process of acquiring and validating knowledge.

2. how does polanyi define personal knowledge?

   polanyi defines personal knowledge as knowledge that is inseparable from the person who holds it. it arises from the integration of explicit facts with tacit knowledge, which includes intuitions, beliefs, and skills that are difficult to articulate. this personal aspect, he argues, is not a weakness but a strength that allows for deeper understanding and discovery.

3. what is tacit knowledge according to polanyi?

   tacit knowledge refers to the knowledge that we know more than we can tell. it is the unarticulated understanding that we employ in our daily lives, from recognizing faces to performing complex skills. polanyi argues that this form of knowledge is foundational to all explicit knowledge and is crucial in scientific discovery and interpretation.

4. what is the significance of personal knowledge in philosophy and science?

   personal knowledge is significant because it challenged the prevailing positivist view of science and offered a robust epistemology that accounts for the human element in knowledge. it has influenced fields beyond philosophy, including sociology of science, psychology, and education, by providing a framework for understanding how individuals and communities come to know.

5. who is the intended audience for personal knowledge?

   while written for a scholarly audience interested in the philosophy of science and epistemology, personal knowledge also appeals to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how we know what we know. its accessible yet rigorous prose makes it valuable for students, researchers, scientists, and thinkers who are interested in the intersection of human experience and objective inquiry.