The Third Domain of Knowledge

I was discussing human nature with a neighbor last night, who asked me a question about my background and limitations. I advised that the thing that I have to be aware of at all times are my limitations and that, as with most human beings, I have to beware of arrogance.

I suggested that an area to be particularly watchful of was that which pertained to "the third domain of knowledge", and I then proceeded to define what that was. Once, I took a series of courses which included philosophical discussions and inquiries. One of these discussions included and inquiry into "The Three Domains of Knowledge".

The "First Domain of Knowledge" pertains to the things that we know that we know.
The "Second Domain of Knowledge" pertains to the things that we know that we don't know.
The "Third Domain of Knowledge" pertains to the things that we don't know that we don't know.

The first two domains are well known and some would say "obvious". We delve in and out of them each and every day. For example, I know that I know how to drive a car, and I know certain things; I have certain specialized knowledge that has to do with my business and field of expertise. I also know that I am not a brain surgeon. The second domain pertains to things that are learnable. However, the third area is tricky and alludes to my being totally oblivious of certain things. It isn't simply an issue of knowing or not knowing how to do something. It is an awareness of unawareness, of my limitations. Of things I am simply oblivious to and totally unawares.

I have been told it is possible to expand my awareness and to reveal what is concealed. I have learned to ask a lot of questions. I have learned to observe and to inquire, and the entire purpose is to reveal that which exists, for me, in the "third domain of knowledge". Sometimes things are revealed, or as been said "unconcealed". But I confess that I am a novice in the practice of unconcealment.

I think there are practical applications. The skills useful for the third domain also work very, very, well in the first two domains. I have a profound appreciation for tools, whether they be hardware or software and even skills, I see the opportunity in delving into my limitations and lack of expertise with the third domain. I also understand that there are things that I will, due to my physiology and personal limitations as a human being, never comprehend. There are things that no human being may ever comprehend or understand. Some of those things may be unlearnable. I don't know what they are. What I do know is that as I gain skills and knowledge, as I learn things, I am operating at moving things from the second domain to the first domain. Is it also possible, through unconcealment, to move things from the third domain to the second domain?

Note: My work in systems and human systems includes analysis of failures and the failure to achieve desired, anticipated or promised objectives. I have found that observing the operation of human beings, including myself, and their interactions, in the three domains to be very informative and useful.