Omar Bennett
Common knowledge is widely known, undisputed, and easily verified information that is generally not attributable to a specific author. It is context-dependent and varies across different disciplines and audiences. In academic writing, common knowledge is information that the average educated reader would accept without needing a source citation. It includes basic knowledge within a specific field of study, such as major historical figures, general scientific principles, and foundational theories. For example, it is common knowledge that the four seasons are winter, spring, summer, and fall, or the capital of France is Paris. However, when in doubt, it is advisable to cite sources to avoid plagiarism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Information that the average educated reader would accept without needing a source citation to back it |
| Criteria | Widely known, undisputed, easily verified, and generally not attributable to a specific author |
| Categories | Information shared by a specific group of people, such as a national or cultural group, or academics in a particular field of study |
| Examples | Ramses II was a pharaoh of ancient Egypt; The four seasons are winter, spring, summer, and fall; The capital of France is Paris; World War II lasted from 1939 to 1945 |
| Verification | Information or ideas that are widely known, accepted, and found in multiple places (at least five credible sources) |
| Context | Varies by field, professional level, and audience |
| Citation | When in doubt, always cite your sources |
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What You'll Learn
- Common knowledge is widely known, undisputed, and easily verified
- It does not need to be cited and is generally not attributable to a specific author
- It is context-dependent and varies by culture, audience, and field
- It includes basic knowledge known by those in a specific discipline or field of study
- It is widely understood and accepted without needing any sourcing
Common knowledge is widely known, undisputed, and easily verified
In academic writing, common knowledge refers to information that the average educated reader would accept without needing a source citation. This can include information that is widely known across different disciplines, such as fundamental equations in physics or major historical dates. For instance, it is common knowledge that World War II lasted from 1939 to 1945. This information is easily verifiable and widely accepted, so it does not require a citation.
However, what constitutes common knowledge can vary depending on context, culture, and audience. Something that is common knowledge in one field may not be common knowledge in another. For example, within psychology, it is common knowledge that chimpanzees recognize themselves in a mirror, but this may not be common knowledge outside of that specific discipline. Therefore, it is important to consider the context and audience when determining whether something is common knowledge.
Common knowledge also includes basic knowledge that is specific to a particular discipline or field of study. For instance, in psychology, Maslow's hierarchy is a well-known behavioural theory and is considered common knowledge within that field. Similarly, within literature, it is common knowledge that James Joyce is a major modernist author. These examples highlight how common knowledge can vary depending on the field of study.
While common knowledge does not require a citation, it is important to exercise caution to avoid plagiarism. If there is any doubt about whether a statement is common knowledge, it is always safer to provide a citation. Additionally, common knowledge should not be confused with personal knowledge or opinions, which do require proper sourcing and attribution.
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It does not need to be cited and is generally not attributable to a specific author
When determining whether a statement is common knowledge and does not need to be cited or attributed to a specific author, it is important to consider the context, culture, and audience. Common knowledge is generally defined as information that is widely known, undisputed, and easily verified. It is recognised by a large group of people and can be found in multiple places, such as in encyclopaedias or dictionaries. For example, it is common knowledge that birds can fly, that there are four seasons in a year, or that Paris is the capital of France. These are well-known facts that do not require citation.
However, the definition of common knowledge can vary depending on the field, professional level, and discipline. For instance, within psychology, it is common knowledge that chimpanzees recognise themselves in a mirror, while in literature, it is common knowledge that James Joyce is a major modernist author. These are examples of common knowledge within specific fields, and when writing for a particular field, foundational knowledge may not need to be cited.
When determining whether something is common knowledge, it is essential to consider your audience. Ask yourself if your reader might be surprised by your statement, question its accuracy, or contest it with other data. If the answer is yes, then it is not common knowledge, and you should provide a citation. Additionally, if you are writing about a different field, it is generally recommended to cite your sources.
It is also important to note that common knowledge does not refer to personal knowledge or professional experience. If you are using your experience to support your ideas, it is crucial to make this clear to your readers.
In conclusion, when deciding whether a statement is common knowledge and does not need to be cited or attributed to a specific author, consider the context, culture, and audience. Ask yourself if the information is widely known, undisputed, and easily verified. Seek guidance from professors or faculty members if you are unsure.
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It is context-dependent and varies by culture, audience, and field
What is considered common knowledge is influenced by various factors, including cultural background, audience demographics, and the specific field or discipline under consideration.
Culture plays a significant role in shaping common knowledge. Different societies and communities have distinct histories, traditions, and shared experiences that contribute to their collective understanding of the world. For example, in a country with a prominent tea-drinking culture, the process of brewing and serving tea might be considered common knowledge among its citizens. In contrast, this knowledge might not be as widespread in a country where tea is not a significant part of the cultural fabric.
The audience's demographics, such as age, education level, and shared interests, also influence what is considered common knowledge. For instance, references to popular trends or internet memes might be immediately understandable to a younger audience but might fall flat with an older generation that did not grow up with the same digital influences. Similarly, technical jargon or industry-specific terminology that is second nature to professionals in a particular field might need additional explanation for laypeople to understand.
The field or discipline under discussion also dictates what is commonly known. Consider the phrase "survival of the fittest." In the field of biology, this phrase carries a specific meaning within the theory of evolution, referring to the process of natural selection. However, in a social context, the same phrase might be used more casually to describe competition or adaptability in human endeavors.
Even within a specific field, common knowledge can vary depending on the level of specialization. For example, within the field of computer science, basic programming concepts like loops and variables might be considered common knowledge among professionals, but more advanced topics like machine learning algorithms or natural language processing might only be commonly known within that specific sub-field.
Lastly, common knowledge can also be influenced by current events and societal trends. For instance, during widespread events, specific terms or concepts quickly become part of everyday language and are understood by people from diverse backgrounds. Similarly, in the context of a highly publicized niche event, certain domain-specific knowledge might become common among the general public, even for those usually uninterested in that domain.
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It includes basic knowledge known by those in a specific discipline or field of study
Common knowledge within a specific discipline or field of study refers to the foundational and widely accepted concepts, theories, and information that form the basis of understanding for individuals in that domain. This body of knowledge is typically acquired through education, training, and experience in the field, and it serves as a shared framework for professionals or scholars in that area.
For example, in the field of biology, common knowledge would encompass fundamental concepts such as cell theory, evolution, and the principles of genetics. These are foundational concepts that all biologists are expected to understand and form the basis for more advanced study and research in the discipline. Similarly, in the field of psychology, common knowledge includes widely accepted theories like Freud's psychoanalytic theory and Piaget's cognitive development theory, as well as fundamental concepts such as the unconscious mind and behaviorism.
In the realm of computer science, common knowledge might include fundamental programming concepts, data structures, and algorithms. Knowledge of popular programming languages, understanding binary code, and familiarity with basic algorithms for sorting and searching are considered common within the field. These concepts are foundational and widely known among professionals and students in computer science.
Common knowledge in a specific discipline is also subject to change and evolution over time. For instance, in the field of medicine, the common knowledge of today includes modern understandings of microbiology, pharmacology, and evidence-based medicine. However, in the past, common medical practices might have included techniques that are now considered outdated and even harmful.
It's important to note that common knowledge within a discipline does not imply universal agreement or the absence of ongoing debates and controversies. While certain concepts or theories may be widely accepted, they are often open to interpretation, critique, and further development within the field. Additionally, common knowledge in one discipline may be highly specialized and unfamiliar to those outside of it.
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It is widely understood and accepted without needing any sourcing
The concept of "common knowledge" is context-dependent and varies across different fields, cultures, and audiences. It generally refers to information that is widely known, accepted, and easily verifiable, without needing to be attributed to a specific author or source. Here are some examples of statements that constitute common knowledge and are widely understood and accepted without requiring sourcing:
- "The four seasons are winter, spring, summer, and fall."
- "The capital of France is Paris."
- "World War II lasted from 1939 to 1945."
- "Most birds can fly."
- "Ramses II was a pharaoh of ancient Egypt."
These statements are considered common knowledge because they are widely known and accepted facts that can be easily verified through multiple sources, such as encyclopedias or dictionaries, without needing to cite a specific source. They are part of the foundational knowledge that most educated people are expected to know or can easily find out.
However, it is important to note that what constitutes common knowledge can vary depending on the specific discipline or field of study. For example, within psychology, it is common knowledge that "chimpanzees recognize themselves in a mirror," while in literature, James Joyce being a major modernist author is considered common knowledge. In these cases, citing sources is not necessary when referring to these widely accepted facts within their respective fields.
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Frequently asked questions
Common knowledge is information that is widely known, undisputed, and easily verified. It is generally not attributable to a specific author and is commonly understood by most educated people or can be easily found in an encyclopedia or dictionary.
When writing academically, it is essential to cite your sources to avoid plagiarism. However, statements that are considered common knowledge do not need to be cited. Over-citation can weaken academic writing.
Common knowledge is context-dependent and varies across different fields, cultures, and audiences. It is information that can be found undocumented in at least five credible sources. If you are unsure, it is always safer to cite your sources. You can also ask professors or faculty for guidance on what constitutes common knowledge for a specific audience.
