In Gaining Knowledge Tok Analysis

I think this title is asking me to break down the quotation, “In gaining knowledge, each area of knowledge uses a network of ways of knowing,” and to analyse the validity of the argument that to gain knowledge, each area of knowledge uses a network of ways of knowing, with reference to two areas of knowledge. There are several key words in the quotation that need to be defined. First, the word “gain” implies progress and advancement or benefit toward gaining knowledge. I will focus my essay on this concept of benefit or advancement of the natural sciences and the arts. The second definition is of the word “use”, which implies purpose, and the third word, “network”, indicates two or more ways of knowing linked together. For the purpose of this …show more content…
Adam in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel was depicted nude as Michelangelo’s way to rebel against creating the painting. He considered himself a sculptor, and was infuriated that he was forced to become a painter by royalty. This strong emotion coupled with Michelangelo’s reason allowed him to create a work that was extremely controversial at the time: the biblical figures depicted in the painting were nude. In the context of how conservative the church was at the time, it is interesting how Michelangelo was able to get away with this artwork. The artist used a network of reason (to find the best way to explain his artistic choice of painting biblical figures nude), coupled with his frustration with the unwanted job, his artistic talent for creating what he sensed in his works, as well as using memory of the bible, in order to create the masterpiece, The Sistine Chapel. Even in the modern world, The Sistine Chapel is considered one of the most artistically values works of all time, and it was created through a network of ways of knowing that Michelangelo used to create …show more content…
Although a network of ways of knowing allows the natural sciences to progress through the scientific method, as shown through Einstein’s experiments with the photoelectric effect, a network is not necessary as physicists can use pure reason to derive formulae such as E=mc2 by using existing formulae. This comparison between progress using networks and a lack of networks is also seen in the arts, where networks of ways of knowing enhance our ability to share knowledge, as discussed with reference to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, and can also hinder our ability to gain shared knowledge in a discipline, as discussed through my personal knowledge as a beginner. In this way, using networks of ways of knowing can both gain and hinder