Understanding the Four Quadrants of Knowledge: Knowns and Unknowns
By
speckx
Pure flour-power. Hearty enough to carry you through lunch.
Summary
The article explores the concept of knowledge classification through the framework of 'known knowns,' 'known unknowns,' 'unknown knowns,' and 'unknown unknowns.' The author introduces this as the 'knowledge quadrant' concept, tracing its origins from 1990s group therapy practices to its popularization in public discourse. The piece examines how this framework helps understand different types of knowledge and ignorance, particularly focusing on the fourth quadrant of 'unknown unknowns' - things we don't know we don't know.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledI was first introduced to the concept of 'known unknowns' and 'unknown unknowns' in a sort of pseudo-group therapy practice in the '90s
A decade or so later, the idea broke into the public imagination with 'There are unknown unknowns'
The idea is that, well, there are things you know, and things you don't know
I call it the knowledge quadrant
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