Declarative knowledge is essentially knowing that something is true. It's factual information that can be stated or declared.
Understanding Declarative Knowledge
Based on the provided reference, declarative knowledge is defined as an awareness of facts that can be expressed using declarative sentences. Think of it as the knowledge you can convey through statements or propositions. This type of knowledge represents information or propositions about the world that we understand and can explicitly state.
A key characteristic highlighted is that declarative knowledge is not restricted to one specific use or purpose. Unlike knowing how to ride a bike (which is procedural), knowing that bikes have wheels and pedals is declarative and can be used in various contexts.
Synonyms and Related Terms
Declarative knowledge is known by several other names, reflecting its nature as factual or theoretical information. These include:
- Theoretical knowledge
- Descriptive knowledge
- Propositional knowledge
- Knowledge-that
These terms all refer to the same fundamental concept of knowing facts and propositions.
Examples of Declarative Knowledge
This type of knowledge encompasses a vast range of facts we learn every day. Here are a few simple examples:
- The capital of Italy is Rome.
- The Earth revolves around the Sun.
- Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius (at standard pressure).
- Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States.
- A triangle has three sides.
These are all statements of fact that can be expressed using declarative sentences.
Storage and Accessibility
Beyond being stored in our minds, declarative knowledge can be externalized and recorded. According to the reference, it can be stored in books or on computers. This allows factual information to be preserved, shared, and accessed widely, forming the basis of databases, encyclopedias, textbooks, and digital knowledge bases.
In summary, declarative knowledge is the factual information we possess about the world, expressible as statements, unrestricted in its direct application, and capable of being stored externally.
