Re: The library as metaphor

[Ted Freeman <tfreeman@allenpress.com>]

 	"We are stuck in a bad metaphor. One that thinks knowing
 	the works of Dickens is what knowledge is, when in
 	actuality knowing what to do in a given situation is
 	what knowledge is. Procedures matter. The more processes
 	you know (that is the more you can execute) the more you
 	can do."

Knowledge and action have traditionally been considered two 
different goals, and rightly so. Mr. Shank is confused about the 
difference. And universities (and the libraries that supported 
them) did not begin as places where one learned how to do 
anything other than become wise. Reading Dickens can bring 
knowledge by helping one understand what it is to be human, not 
to mention transporting one into a wonderful literary world where 
immense pleasure can be had from reading beautiful prose, 
regardless of whether it leads to any kind of action or 
illuminates any "procedures." Mr. Shank should would make an 
excellent recruiter for trade schools.

Ted Freeman

At 04:58 PM 9/11/2006, Joseph J. Esposito wrote:
>Fascinating column by cognitive science researcher Roger Schank on
>the limitations of using the library as a metphor for knowledge. My
>editorial comment:  If Google had read this before they started
>their mass digitization projects, there would be a lot less
>litigation in the world, and probably more learning.
>
>http://www.districtadministration.com/pulse/commentpost.aspx?news=no&postid=16909
>
>Joe Esposito