MUTUAL KNOWLEDGE: CONCEPT, ETHICS, HUMAN COEXISTENCE - GEOGRAFÍA - 2024

The mutual understanding is a series of elements, knowledge and capabilities that are shared by two or more people within the workplace or in any social environment; it is also related to the reciprocal affirmation of the qualities and characteristics that one individual shares with another.

Likewise, mutual knowledge is developed through experiences where cultural perspectives that are similar are shared and that allow men to tolerate and understand each other, understanding that each individual has their differences.

Mutual knowledge favors the work and academic environment. Source: pixabay.com

The authors Daniel J. and Diane M. Hintz, in their text The Evidential Category of Mutual Knowledge in Quechua (nd), established that this concept refers to knowledge that is jointly constructed through shared perceptual experience and linguistic interaction.

However, Daniel and Diane Hintz approach the issue from a specifically linguistic perspective, stating that language and culture are one of the main sources of mutual knowledge. However, some authors promote the idea that such knowledge does not necessarily require sharing the same mother tongue and the same cultural traits.

For example, at a conference you might meet two programming experts; one of them speaks English and the other speaks Spanish. Although each comes from a different place and speaks a different language, both share certain skills that allow them to understand, communicate and respect each other.

Mutual knowledge concept

The definition of mutual knowledge can vary depending on the perspective that each author or discipline gives it. For disciplines such as logic and epistemology, mutual knowledge is information or fact that is known by several people, however, it does not necessarily imply that a certain person knows that others also know said information.

For example, the individuals that make up a certain social group witnessed the presentation of a political candidate; therefore, they all share that information and it becomes mutual knowledge. However, a person belonging to that group does not necessarily know that the others also attended the presentation.

For linguistics, mutual knowledge consists of knowledge that is constructed through linguistic interactions and shared perceptions. According to this discipline, the sources of information for this knowledge are the beliefs, assumptions and conversations that the participants of a community develop.

Taking into account both positions, it can be concluded that mutual knowledge is everything that a group of people can have in common, be it language, culture, religion, profession, among other aspects. One of the characteristics of mutual knowledge is that it allows us to establish links and promote development both in the workplace and in the community.

Mutual knowledge from ethics

Ethics can be defined as a set of norms or customs that are responsible for directing human behavior within a community. Therefore, when we speak of mutual knowledge from ethics, we refer to the social parameters that are followed and shared by the people who make up a society.

Therefore, it can be argued that it is mutual knowledge to respect road signs, address people respectfully, or keep mobile phones off during a presentation or conference. From this perspective, such knowledge is linked to values, especially respect.

Mutual knowledge within the work ethic

Mutual knowledge within the workplace is a crucial element for the development of any company or company. Paul Harris (1868-1947), founder of the renowned Rotary International organization, is remembered for his interest in developing mutual knowledge.

Paul Harris, founder of the Rotary International organization. Source: Dmandradjiev

This is because the American lawyer took several ethical actions in order to favor the labor community. These actions include the imposition of sanctions or fines if a colleague told racy jokes or engaged in religious or political discussions.

In other words, it was a mutual understanding for Paul Harris employees to tolerate their colleagues and address them with respect, focusing solely on performing work activities efficiently.

However, mutual understanding within professional development is not focused solely on ethical standards or parameters; It is also related to the strengthening of those things that individuals have in common in order to invigorate labor relations.

Isabel Valenzuela, in her text According to scientists, mutual knowledge makes us more cooperative (nd) establishes that people, by recognizing the elements they have in common with others, become more willing to collaborate to achieve group well-being. In addition, the collective tasks become less conflictive and reach greater fluidity.

Mutual knowledge in human coexistence

Mutual knowledge within human coexistence is closely linked to ethics, since the fact that a group of people share the same information about the laws guarantees a harmonious coexistence.

However, mutual knowledge in coexistence is not only limited to the rules, but is made up of all the customs and beliefs shared by a society. Within these elements are the notions of heritage and territory, concepts that constitute the identity of the communities.

This means that mutual knowledge is nurtured by the historical and cultural heritage of each nation. For example, the inhabitants of a country share national dates and holidays; they also have in common a series of phrases, sayings and even a set of typical foods.

Likewise, those buildings of a historical nature that currently fulfill a cultural function, such as museums, are of mutual knowledge.

Marcelo Martín, in his text Heritage and society: mutual knowledge as a management strategy (2005) argues that all heritage is common knowledge and includes both cultural and natural elements.

In addition, it establishes that the concept of territory -that is, geographical location- is fundamental for heritage, since it allows the identification, conservation and selection of what will be common knowledge for the development of human coexistence.

References

1. Clark, H. (1981) Definite knowledge and mutual knowledge. Retrieved on December 11, 2019 from philpapers.org
2. Cramton, C. (2001) The mutual knowledge problem and its consequences for dispersed collaboration. Retrieved on December 11, 2019 from pubsonline.informs.org
3. Hintz, D; Hintz, M. (nd.) The evidential category of mutual knowledge in Quechua. Retrieved on December 11, 2019 from Academia.edu
4. Martín, M. (2005) Heritage and society: mutual knowledge as a management strategy. Retrieved on December 11, 2019 from Interea Visual Magazine, environment and culture.
5. SA (2002) The importance of mutual knowledge. Retrieved on December 11, 2019 from rotayclublatinoamerica.club
6. Valenzuela, I. (nd) According to scientists, mutual knowledge makes us more cooperative. Retrieved on December 11, 2019 from Vix: vix.com