What Are You Studying?

 According to psychologist and philosopher Ken Wilbur, there are three kinds of (human) knowledge: sensory, intellectual (logical/rational), and experiential. These types of knowledge are very separate, although we tend to mix them up, and use one type to study another.


Sensory knowledge includes knowledge of ideas like hot, cold, spicy, etc. This is information that our senses provide. We can of course describe these (using our intellect), or even try to explain what chemicals make spicy foods taste 'spicy.' But in the end, it is not about reasoning. It is just something we feel through our senses.


Intellectual knowledge is what we can learn through reading books, through language, and through study and use of logical thinking and science. It is the main focus of education today in developed countries (and in most or all developing countries.)


Experiential knowledge is knowledge that can only be 'experienced' through the mind, like the idea of love or God. You cannot tell it to someone else. You may try to describe it, but there is no way you could be sure that another person understands what you are saying. With love, for example, we all have a different idea of what it is, based on our experiences with love. The same goes for God.


Using our intellect to analyze other types of knowledge is causing heaps of problems in the world. For example, language or reason has often been used to prove or disprove God. And while it may be possible to make an airtight argument for AND against love or God, it really doesn't matter. Intellectual knowledge just DOESN'T APPLY. I mention this example because rational arguments regarding religion are probably the most common and the most dangerous. It is not surprising this occurs, because we are mostly taught to think using reason and intellect. I think the fact that many choose to reason about religion or love indicates that they have quite an interest in those ideas. Finally, however, it is only through our experiences with love, or with God (through individual meditation - which can't be communicated) that we can really know them.

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・【The Fifth Season】2010.06.02 (Wed)