ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

Contextual explanation · NAV-G04-003

Ability and knowing how

This explanation addresses the term in its originating context. It is not an additional canonical Atlas profile.

Explanation

Ability in the context of tacit knowledge is a capacity that can become evident in action. Reliable performance need not be accompanied by a complete verbal account of its rules. This does not mean that every successful attempt establishes a stable ability or that abilities develop without explicit knowledge. Opportunity, tools and situational conditions affect observed performance. The philosophical relationship between knowing how and knowing that therefore remains distinct from the observation that someone succeeds. The entry opens that question without resolving it through a rigid opposition between theory and practice.

Movement of thought

1. Specify the activity. 2. Observe repeated performance. 3. Record conditions and available aids. 4. Test separately how well the person can explain the activity in words. 5. Compare alternative explanations of success.

Example

An experienced cyclist maintains balance without being able to explain every corrective movement.

Counter-test

A lucky first success does not establish reliable ability; failure under unfamiliar conditions does not automatically disprove it either.

Scientific use case

Learning research can track performance stability and explicit rule knowledge separately over time.

Effect

Ability directs attention towards knowledge accessible through performance.

Resonance

An action may be more exact than the explanation we can give of it.

Distinction

Distinguish ability from opportunity, isolated success, habit and a complete theory of knowing how.

Sources