by Paul Lines

Created on: October 31, 2006   Last Updated: June 20, 2009

In recent years knowledge has become one of the most favoured buzzwords in business, education and most other areas of life. One of the main drivers behind this current trend is the belief that knowledge is power. The question to be asked is whether this is true. In other words' is knowledge truly power?' The real answer is that, although knowledge can be power, we also have to recognise its limitations, as this article will explain.

Knowledge as power

In all of the areas mentioned in the introduction to this article there is no doubt that knowledge provides power to the individual. For example, as a child we would not progress psychologically or socially without learning, which is the fundamental process required for gaining knowledge.

Knowledge in childhood also helps a child to assess risk and danger, and learn how to avoid these problems. A classic example of this is fire. It often appears to the parent that no matter how many times they warn the child about the dangers of fire; until the child has experienced the pain of being burnt they will not stop. Similarly, a child will push the boundaries of social behaviour and, until the reaction from adults informs them that they have exceeded the limits of acceptability. Therefore, the power of knowledge in this regard is that, by learning the consequences of their actions they are able to make better informed decisions.

Education in childhood is also important as it enables us to gain knowledge about the world about us and, equally, it provides us with the knowledge that will become important for use as we move into adulthood. For example, an accounting will need to have basic mathematical knowledge and a health worker will need knowledge of human biology. Therefore the result of knowledge gained through education provides the child with the power to determine their future life path.

The same is true in adulthood in this respect. In the work environment, knowledge can give us the power to change and enhance our career prospects. For instance, those who gain managerial knowledge through training can move up the hierarchal ladder with a corporation and, ultimately if this is their wish, become the directors and higher management of that firm.

Knowledge is therefore power in that it gives us the ability to make significant changes in our lives and it provides us with the power to be able to achieve our goals and ambitions.

The limitations of the power of knowledge

If the acquisition

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