The Unknown Universe: Estimating the Percentage of Potably Knowable Knowledge
Estimating the percentage of potentially knowable knowledge that humanity has already acquired is an inherently challenging and somewhat subjective task. Knowledge in the broadest sense encompasses countless fields, including science, technology, humanities, and beyond, all of which are constantly evolving.
Challenges in Quantification
Attempts to quantify our current understanding are fraught with difficulty. Some studies and experts suggest that we have accumulated a substantial amount of knowledge in certain areas, but the exact percentage remains elusive. For instance, in scientific fields, significant progress has been made, but numerous questions and mysteries still remain unanswered. In technology, while we have developed advanced tools and systems, there are still many unknowns regarding their implications and potential.
The Finite Nature of Knowledge?
While we have undoubtedly acquired a significant amount of knowledge, a large portion remains undiscovered or poorly understood. Some estimates suggest that we might know only a small fraction, with figures often cited in the range of 10-20% in specific fields. The concept of the universe of knowledge is vast, and the idea that we might know everything is as laughable as it is improbable.
One perspective that challenges the finite nature of our knowledge is the belief that the unknown is as vast as the universe itself. This view asserts that even when humanity has accumulated a substantial amount of knowledge, the vastness of the unknown continues to expand. Factors such as past learning failures and the tendency for humans to overlook or undervalue certain discoveries can perpetuate an endless cycle of understanding.
Historical Misconceptions
Historically, many scientists were overly confident about their knowledge base. For example, in the early 1890s, many scientists were confident that knowledge was already at over 90% and was rapidly approaching 100%. Immediate issues like the precession of Mercury's perihelion and the failure of the Michelson-Morley experiment seemed to suggest that the vast majority of scientific knowledge was already solidified. However, the discovery of X-rays by Roentgen and radioactivity by Becquerel quickly showed that this assumption was far from the truth, as the world had far more to uncover than originally thought.
Evolving Theories and Uncertainty
The history of science also underscores the ongoing nature of knowledge. Albert Einstein's theories, while revolutionary, are not considered the final truth but rather a simplified version of a potentially more accurate theory. Newton's theories are a case in point, functioning well at low speeds and weak gravitational fields, but they are seen as incomplete when compared to Einstein's theories, which work well in much more extreme conditions.
Scientific theories are constantly subject to scrutiny and refinement. The most that science can say is that a particular theory has stood the test of numerous efforts to disprove it. The inherent uncertainty and the constant pursuit of better explanations are what make science so dynamic and science itself so appealing. The quest for certainty is a natural human trait, essential for survival, but science inherently rejects this in favor of a more nuanced and adaptive understanding.
Evolution and Inherent Complexity
The evolution of the human mind has equipped us with the capacity for certainty, which served us well in prehistoric times. However, the very nature of knowledge and understanding means that it is inherently complex and ever-evolving. As we gain new insights, our understanding of the world around us becomes more refined, but it also introduces new questions and challenges.
Conclusion
In summary, while we have undoubtedly made significant progress in acquiring knowledge, the vastness of what we do not yet know is a constant reminder of the complexity of the world around us. The unknown is not static; it is dynamic and expanding, much like the universe itself. The pursuit of knowledge is an ongoing journey, one that we continue to explore with both awe and humility.