# DIKW Pyramid It refers to a group of models for representing relationships between data, information, knowledge, and wisdom. > Typically information is defined in terms of data, knowledge in terms of information, and wisdom in terms of knowledge The deep understanding of a topic emerges from data and evolves towards information, knowledge, and wisdom. ![[DIKW_Pyramid.svg]] It is also known as the DIKW Hierarchy, Wisdom Hierarchy, Knowledge Hierarchy, Information Hierarchy and Information Pyramid. Between knowledge and wisdom, we can consider "understanding". The DIKW model is hierarchical. Unlike [[Maslow's Hierarchy of needs]], it describes structural or functional relationships. The lower levels comprise the material of higher levels. It is credited to [[Milan Zeleny]] and [[Russel L. Ackoff]]. Another representation of DIKW as a flow diagram: ![[DIKW Flow Diagram.png]] Yet another: ![[DIKW Pyramid - Alternative.png]] Related: [[Data, information, knowledge, insight and wisdom visualized]] ## Elements ### Data Symbols or signs, representing stimuli or signals that are not usable until we learn more and get them in a relevant form. It corresponds to the know-nothing form as described by [[Milan Zeleny]]: [[Knowledge Levels]] ### Data as fact "Discrete, objective facts or observations which are unorganized and unprocessed. Therefore, those have no meaning or value because they lack context and interpretation" — [[Jennifer Rowley]], 2007, https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0165551506070706 Also known as raw facts. ### Data as signal Recorded data including words (text and/or verbal), numbers, diagrams, images, video, etc. Could be considered as a layer below the information tier in the DIKW pyramid. ### Information Information is different from raw data. It is "useful". Information is inferred from data, in the process of answering questions (e.g., who, what, where, how many, when, etc), turning data into useful information that can then be used to make decisions or act. To inform means to let somebody know. There are two things to notice here. The transformation of the verb _to inform_ into the noun _information_ changes the nature of informing as the act of bringing knowledge. First, it demands a new kind of distinction between information and knowledge and this is how we end up with the DIKW layering. And second, the act of informing is changing the state of awareness of the one who is being in-formed (the form is changed from within, based on external perturbation). Looking at information as _informing_, would be a useful reminder that it is about an event. And making the same announcement to the receiver will not change the already changed state of awareness. A more formal expression of this can be found in the second law of form: “The value of a call made again is the value of the call” (cfr http://www.strategicstructures.com/?p=957) ### Structural vs functional information Information is structured or organized data that has been processed and has become relevant for a specific purpose and/or context, and is therefore meaningful, valuable, useful, and relevant. Thus, the difference between data and information is structural, not functional. This is the view of [[Jennifer Rowley]], https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0165551506070706 [[Information is data that changes us]] ### Knowledge Knowledge is difficult to define. See [[Definitions of Knowledge]] The DIKW view is that knowledge is defined with reference to information. ### Knowledge as processed information Knowledge can be described as: - The synthesis of multiple sources of information over time - Organization and processing to convey understanding, experience, and accumulated learning - A mix of contextual information, values, experience, and rules, [[Jennifer Rowley]] , Organizing Knowledge: An Introduction to Managing Access to Information ### Knowledge as procedural [[Milan Zeleny]] defines knowledge as "know-how" (cfr [[Knowledge Levels]]) and also "know-who" and "know-when". Each is gained through practical experience. In his view, [[Knowledge is action, not a description of action]]. [[Russel L. Ackoff]] describes knowledge as the application of data and information, [[Russel L. Ackoff]] (1989). "From Data to Wisdom". _Journal of Applied Systems Analysis_. **16**: 3–9. Textbooks discussing the [[DIKW Pyramid]] also describe knowledge in terms of experience, skill, expertise or capability: - Study and experience - A mix of contextual information, expert opinion, skills, and experience - Information combined with understanding and capability - Perception, skills, training, common sense, and experience Some say that [[Knowledge is doing things right]] ### Knowledge as propositional Knowledge is sometimes described as "belief structuring" and "internalization with reference to cognitive frameworks". Zins found that knowledge is described in propositional terms, as justifiable beliefs (subjective domain, similar to [[Tacit knowledge]]), and sometimes also as signs that represent such beliefs (universal/collective domain, similar to [[Explicit knowledge]]). [[Milan Zeleny]] rejects the idea of [[Explicit knowledge]], arguing that once made symbolic, knowledge becomes information, (2005). _Human Systems Management: Integrating Knowledge, Management and Systems_. [World Scientific](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Scientific "World Scientific"). pp. 15–16. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_(identifier) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-981-02-4913-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-981-02-4913-7 "Special:BookSources/978-981-02-4913-7"). Knowledge is a thought, which is characterized by justifiable beliefs that it is true. It can be empirical and non-empirical, religious, philosophical, etc. Here, the distinction between subjective knowledge and subjective information is that subjective knowledge is characterized by justifiable belief, where subjective information is a type of knowledge concerning the meaning of data. ### Wisdom [[Russel L. Ackoff]] refers to understanding as an "appreciation of why", and wisdom as "evaluated understanding", where understanding is considered a discrete layer between knowledge and wisdom [[Harlan Cleveland]] describes wisdom as integrated knowledge. That is, information made super-useful, (December 1982). "Information as a Resource". _[The Futurist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Futurist_(magazine) "The Futurist (magazine)")_: 34–39. Others describe wisdom as "knowing the right things to do", and as "the ability to make sound judgments and decisions apparently without thought". Wisdom involves using knowledge for the greater good. Because of this, wisdom is deeper and more uniquely human. It requires a sense of good and bad, right and wrong, ethical and unethical. [[Milan Zeleny]] described wisdom as "know-why", "why do" (wisdom), "why is" (information). See [[Knowledge Levels]]