PART II
Thus the arrow of time (from past to future) affects
knowledge. The preservation and transmission of Original and complete
knowledge will inversely depend on time. Further at a much later
time, a person initiated into learning and knowledge, may have
access to only say two or three branches of knowledge, out of the six recorded
ones. And based on these three branches of knowledge , if he attempts to generate
new knowledge, it is bound to be incomplete and even may lead to wrong
inferences or conclusions, which we may call as faulty knowledge.( Since he is
unable to refer to the full body of knowledge.)
Thus overall we have a multiplier effect due to
‘knowledge erosion’, in terms of (a) loss of human intellectual capacity
and (b) generation of new and faulty knowledge. This faulty
knowledge will then become the foundation for successive knowledge generation.
Thus at a later stage , for eg. in this modern age ,in geometric proportion,
faulty knowledge is generated in society!!
A classic example of this effect of fragmentation
& compartmentalization of knowledge, leading to erroneous
conclusions in modern times can be cited in the field of medicine. To
diagnose , we prefer a generalist (MD) than a specialist. A diseased condition
may be due to various causes, and the physician trained in and practicing
diagnosis , considers the whole human body, than considering a particular organ
or limb. This fragmentation of medical knowledge, between generalist and
specialist has proved to be costly for the public, the medical student ,
and taxing on the govt. to provide
resources for each specialization, without any corresponding effect in
improving public health and creating a healthy society.
Simultaneously social intelligence has reached such a nadir, that the
public instead of resorting to self-regulation, indulge in all sorts of
unhealthy practices with the implicit belief that ‘new-knowledge’, doctors,
hospitals and new technologies are available on tap to cure their
diseases. (eg. Liver malfunction treatment for alcoholics)) Thus
fragmentation of knowledge that became inert, ossified due to
storage has proven to be costly for the individual and society. Neither
the general physician could assimilate the complete knowledge of all
specialization branches paving for deeper knowledge, nor the
specialist have knowledge of other areas, and in the later’s case his knowledge
is compartmentalised. (Deep but not wide and all encompassing). While
considering this example, let us not forget even for a moment that modern
medicine is itself built-up on faulty foundations. The healing powers of
the mind and other factors are not considered in the practice of modern
medicine. Profits only matter here (in modern times), and the recent case of
heavy fine imposed on the pharmaceutical giant Glaxosmithline serves as a
grim reminder.
Moderns have tried to get over this problem, by
collaborative efforts, ie by bringing together ‘experts’ in various fields, to
solve a particular crisis or problem. But we have to understand that a priori,
these expert’s knowledge is based on knowledge subjected to
‘erosion’ and fragmentation.
Thus we have two cumulative outcomes– (1) slow and
steady deterioration and loss of intellectual faculties of human beings,
prompted some men with vision to record knowledge & (2) writing and
recording of knowledge has further diminished the intellectual faculties
of humans.
Thus at this juncture in time, in this post-modern era,
incomplete and partial knowledge is the basis of our decisions (solutions) and actions, which being imperfect ant not the
right solution, is not going to solve any of our problems, but will compound
it !!!!!
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