Common knowledge refers to facts or information that are widely known and readily available from numerous sources. These are facts that most educated individuals would know or could easily verify. You typically do not need to cite common knowledge.
Based on the examples provided, here are some instances of what is considered common knowledge:
- Basic Calendar Facts:
- January is the first month of the year.
- Major Geographical Facts:
- Tokyo is the capital of Japan.
- The Eiffel Tower is located in Paris.
- Fundamental Scientific Principles:
- The earth revolves around the sun.
- Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius.
- Widely Popular Culture/Facts:
- Soccer, or futbol, is a popular sport worldwide.
- Facebook is a social media network.
Why are these examples common knowledge?
These facts are generally considered common knowledge because they are:
- Ubiquitous: Found in countless books, websites, educational materials, and everyday conversations.
- Undisputed: There is broad agreement on their accuracy.
- Easily Verifiable: Simple to look up if someone were unsure.
Examples Overview
Here's a quick look at the types of facts considered common knowledge:
| Category | Example |
|---|---|
| Calendar/Time | January is the first month |
| Geography/Landmarks | Tokyo is the capital of Japan |
| Science | Earth revolves around the sun |
| Sports/Culture | Soccer is popular worldwide |
| Social Media/Technology | Facebook is a social media network |
Understanding what constitutes common knowledge is important, especially in academic or professional writing, to avoid unnecessary citation and plagiarism. While these examples are clear-cut, determining common knowledge can sometimes depend on the audience and context.
