With reference to two areas of knowledge discuss the ways in which Essay

With reference to two areas of knowledge discuss the ways in which shared knowledge can shape personal knowledge - Essay Example The question of how personal knowledge can effectively have an influence on shared knowledge can be answered through a careful observation of the structure of both subjects. It is first however crucial to understand what shared knowledge is as well as its relationship to personal knowledge. Shared knowledge can be described as the collective knowledge of a society with regards to both standardized and overall subjects that affect individuals as a group. It can be seen as shared opinions between a group or groups of people that are usually held as a collective belief. This shared knowledge is normally passed on from generation to generation and thus become a popular point of view over a period (Lagemaat 54). They are, however, subject to change under various circumstances that would affect the society’s views as a whole. These circumstances may be caused by an individual(s) actions, or events that take place in a society completely rocking the fabrication of a previous notion. It can be argued that shared knowledge does in fact effectively affect the personal knowledge that develops in an individual. This is due to the rise and development of both matters and their effect on society. Shared knowledge can be seen as the foundation of the initial societal information that is passed on to an individual. From this shared knowledge and a collection of personal experiences, an individual is thus able to gradually develop their opinions. The fact remains that shared knowledge is indeed the first informational encounter that an individual experiences, and thus cannot be negated from the equation forming an individual’s personal knowledge (Heydon and Jesudason 13). A good example supporting this hypothesis would be the learning curve of a child since birth. When one is brought into the world, their primary source of knowledge is their guardians. Their guardians in turn retrieve their information form what can be seen as