If Nelson and Winter are only half right about tacit knowledge, which half? A Searlean critique of 'codification'
Year: 2003
Type: article
Abstract: The paper explores the inherent tensions in the relationships between different theories of knowledge. The paper shows how Polanyi's rather nebulous concept of tacit knowledge can be given a rigorous foundation in recent biological treatments that link neurological causal processes, subjective mental states and speech acts. Drawing on the work of John Searle, the paper shows how information‐processing approaches relate to these ‘cause and effect’ relationships in order to critique the binary distinction between tacit and codified knowledge. The utility of the framework and the problems with this binary distinction are illustrated by showing the confusions behind recent theories that propose that information technologies allow the codification of tacit knowledge. Errors inherent in the idea of codification are traced back to Newell and Simon's abstract ‘programme level’ of explanation. Implications for science policy, technical learning, management and innovation are discussed.
Source: Industrial and Corporate Change
DOI: 10.1093/icc/12.2.149
Author: P. Nightingale
Institution: University of Sussex
Language: English
Subfield: Communication
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2115412911