Absorbing What Is Useful: Technology, Classification Systems, and Intangible Knowledge

David Lichty

doi:10.33137/ijournal.v5i2.34415

Abstract

The following paper uses martial arts manuals to demonstrate the relationship between knowledge preservation and technology. It argues that technological constraints can influence the way information is organized, classified, and represented, thus affecting the way knowledge is translated into information. This paper explores how the technological limitations of a physical book cannot preserve the complexity of intangible knowledge in martial arts. The roles of hierarchy, transparency, standardization, and metadata are explored in the process of creating effective information-as-thing. Understanding the way technology affects the preservation of knowledge will better inform the preservation of intangible cultural knowledge in the cultural heritage field. Finally, a suggestion is made for an open-source website as an effective method for preserving intangible knowledge. 

Highlights

The following paper uses martial arts manuals to demonstrate the relationship between knowledge preservation and technology
Whatever the effect technology has on preservation will have a direct bearing on the field of cultural heritage, as understanding how knowledge is translated into information through technology will better inform the practice of preserving intangible cultural knowledge
Through the analysis of historical European martial arts manuscripts, it is argued that the continued practice of intangible forms of knowledge, by a group of dedicated practitioners, is essential in improving the physical cultural record of intangible knowledge

Summary

Introduction

The following paper uses martial arts manuals to demonstrate the relationship between knowledge preservation and technology. Using the work of Geoffrey Bowker and Susan Leigh Star (1999), and Jens-Erik Mai (2010), I will demonstrate how the current classification systems used in manuals to represent and organize martial arts techniques do not achieve a desirable set of standards and level of transparency and do not offer the best form of knowledge preservation. I will suggest an alternative arrangement of martial arts techniques, one that will allow users to better preserve the practice of martial arts and other forms of intangible knowledge.

Results

Conclusion