kunskap

Kunskap is a term used in Swedish and other Scandinavian languages to denote knowledge in its broad sense. It includes both factual knowledge (knowing that something is the case) and procedural knowledge (knowing how to do something). The word is used for individual understanding as well as the body of information within a field of study. In everyday language, kunskap can refer to both theoretical insight and practical competence.

In philosophy, kunskap is often discussed as knowledge or epistemic justification. A classical formulation defines knowledge as justified true belief, but this relation is challenged by the Gettier problem, which shows that justification and truth do not always guarantee knowledge. The study of knowledge, epistemology, explores how beliefs are formed, what makes them reliable, and how evidence, perception, memory, reason, testimony, and introspection contribute to justified beliefs. The reliability of sources and the coherence of a belief system are central concerns, as is the social dimension of knowledge, including the role of expertise and consensus.

In practice, kunskap develops through education, experience, and inquiry. Scientific knowledge relies on methods such as observation, experimentation, and critical testing, while everyday knowledge draws on personal experience and information from others. The distinction between know-that and know-how is often emphasized to capture both factual understanding and practical competence. In contemporary contexts, issues such as information literacy, epistemic trust, and the responsible handling of information are important to maintaining robust kunskap in society.