Common Knowledge Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Common Knowledge?
Common knowledge refers to information that is so widely known and accepted in a particular field or context that it does not need to be sourced. The most common examples of common knowledge include facts, sayings, and dates that are widely accepted as true by most people. For example, the fact that Australia is a country is a piece of common knowledge. Other examples include the date of the American Declaration of Independence (10 July 1776) and the saying A penny saved is a penny earned. Common knowledge can also include commonly accepted beliefs or ideas within a culture, such as the idea that education is important for success in life. Common knowledge differs from other forms of information because it does not require any proof or citation; instead, it relies on collective agreement about its accuracy. However, this does not mean that all commonly held beliefs are true; some may be false or inaccurate. Furthermore, what counts as common knowledge can change over time depending on changes in society and culture. In academic writing, common knowledge does not usually need to be cited since it is already understood to be true by most readers. However, writers should take care when deciding which information qualifies as common knowledge; if there is any doubt about its acceptability then they should provide evidence for their claims with sources.