The fundamental distinction between the subject of knowledge and the object of knowledge lies in their roles within the process of knowing: the subject is the knower, while the object is that which is known. This core concept is central to Epistemology, the branch of philosophy dedicated to the study of knowledge.
Understanding the Subject of Knowledge
The subject of knowledge refers to the active entity that engages in the act of knowing. As per epistemological definitions, the subject is the "active, cognising individual or social group, with consciousness and/or will." It is the center from which cognitive activity originates.
Key Characteristics of the Subject:
- Active: It initiates the process of inquiry, observation, or learning.
- Cognising: It possesses the capacity to perceive, think, understand, and interpret.
- Conscious: It is aware of its own existence and its interaction with the world.
- Volitional: It often has the will or intention to seek knowledge.
- Individual or Social Group: Can be a single person, a scientific community, or even an artificial intelligence designed to learn.
Examples of a Subject of Knowledge:
- A student studying a textbook.
- A scientist observing a chemical reaction.
- A historian analyzing ancient texts.
- A market researcher surveying consumer behavior.
Understanding the Object of Knowledge
In contrast, the object of knowledge is "that on which the subject's cognitive or other activity observes." It is the independent entity, phenomenon, idea, or concept that exists external to the subject (or at least, is treated as such for the purpose of cognition) and becomes the focus of the subject's attention and investigation.
Key Characteristics of the Object:
- Passive (in relation to cognition): It is acted upon by the subject's cognitive faculties; it doesn't initiate the knowing.
- Observable/Experiential: It can be perceived, conceptualized, or interacted with by the subject.
- Diverse: It can be concrete (a tree, a star), abstract (a mathematical theorem, justice), or even an internal state (an emotion).
- External or Internal: While often external, an object can also be an internal thought or feeling that the subject reflects upon.
Examples of an Object of Knowledge:
- The textbook being studied by the student.
- The chemical reaction being observed by the scientist.
- The ancient texts being analyzed by the historian.
- The consumer behavior being surveyed by the market researcher.
Core Differences Summarized
To further clarify, here’s a table outlining the fundamental differences between the subject and object of knowledge:
| Feature | Subject of Knowledge | Object of Knowledge |
|---|---|---|
| Role | The knower; the active entity. | That which is known; the passive target of cognition. |
| Nature | Active, cognising, conscious, possesses will. | Observable, perceivable, conceptualizable. |
| Initiation | Initiates the cognitive process. | Is acted upon or observed by the subject. |
| Perspective | From whom knowledge originates. | That toward which knowledge is directed. |
| Example | A reader of a novel. | The novel itself. |
| Inquiry Focus | Who is asking the questions and seeking understanding? | What is being investigated or understood? |
The Interplay: How Knowledge is Formed
Knowledge is not merely the existence of a subject or an object in isolation; it emerges from the dynamic interaction between them. The subject directs its cognitive faculties (perception, reason, memory) towards the object, and through this engagement, forms an understanding, a belief, or a piece of knowledge about that object.
Practical Insights:
- Scientific Research: A scientist (subject) conducts experiments on a substance (object) to gain knowledge about its properties.
- Learning: A student (subject) learns about historical events (object) from textbooks and lectures.
- Self-Reflection: An individual (subject) analyzes their own emotions (object) to understand their inner state.
This relationship is bidirectional in its impact, though unidirectional in its cognitive flow: the subject transforms its understanding based on the object, and in some cases (like social sciences), the object might even be influenced by the subject's observation (e.g., the observer effect).
