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Full Idea
Knowledge, as an abstract term, is a name for the product of competent enquiries. Apart from this relation, its meaning is so empty that any content or filling may be arbitrarily poured into it.
Gist of Idea
Knowledge is either the product of competent enquiry, or it is meaningless
Source
John Dewey (The Later Works (17 vols, ed Boydston) [1930], 12:16), quoted by David Hildebrand - Dewey 2 'Knowledge'
Book Ref
Hildebrand,David: 'Dewey' [One World 2008], p.59
A Reaction
What is the criterion of 'competent'? Danger of tautology, if competent enquiry is what produces knowledge.
Related Idea
Idea 22868 The value and truth of knowledge are measured by success in activity [Dewey]