POL 2156 Chapter 1: chapter 1.odt

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Political Science
• Course: POL 2156
• Professor: All

Document Summary

Knowledge can be defined as a description of the state or operation of some aspect of the universe upon which people or groups are prepared to act. The production of knowledge usually begins when the public, governments or groups of experts recognize that the state of knowledge in a particular area is inadequate. Funding bodies, corporations, and universities accept research proposals and decide which are the most relevant and deserving of support. Successful proposals are carried out by teams of researchers who produce findings through their combined experience and skills. Research findings are communicated and endorsed by professional organizations that decide what research should be publishes and how it should be presented. Communities and governments have a say in how new knowledge is applied by debating and legislating for its appropriate uses. Knowledge is both a product and the property of social groups.